“Hey, you know if I was single, there’s no doubt I would have taken you out.”
“Well, if you ever are, single I mean, you know where to find me.” She forces a smile then says, “Enjoy your meal,” before hurrying away.
I look at Scott. “That was sweet of you.”
“Was it? I was telling the truth. She was gorgeous.”
“But you want Angie.”
He stops messing with the condiments in his hand. “Yeah, I do.”
It’s a wonderful thing; watching my brother fall for my best friend. It seems such a long time since I felt excitement in my stomach instead of constant nerves. I just pray Angie wants him too.
My phone vibrates, knocking me out of my haze. She must be a witch. “It’s Angie,” I say, looking down at my screen. “Should I get it?”
“Shit, no.” Scott seems on edge. It’s cute.
“You don’t have to speak to her, she just wants to know our results.” I pick up the phone, but she rings off before I answer. “Oh, well, that solves that. I’ll call her soon.”
Scott is about to tuck into his first slice of pizza, and I’m faffing with the olive oil when my phone buzzes again.
“What is it with you today, Miss Popular?”
“It’s my mum.” I look up at him. “I haven’t told her we’ve taken a DNA test yet unless Nanna and Gramps told her. I can’t speak to her now; I need some energy for that task and I’m starving. I’ll call her later. In fact.” I pick up my phone, turning it off altogether this time. “There. Now we can enjoy our lunch in peace.”
“Alright, little sis, let’s talk about how I’m going to handle my love life.”
His words make me smile. Right now, having a big brother to focus on is just what I need. Somehow, he’s made me see, I have to pull myself together. It’s a pity I have no idea at all how I’m going to do it.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
CALLA
Something in Scott’sbody language tells me he doesn’t want to leave when he sets off home late afternoon, but he has work to do for his course on Monday. I’ve also persuaded him to get his act together with Angie. I’m sure he’s wanted to be with her for a while but perhaps needed my approval before going ahead. That—in itself—is stupid. Who am I to stop them? Their happiness is my priority, so I just hope it works. Angie deserves a good man, and I honestly believe Scott is the right person for her. Who would have thought?
Today I officially gained a brother; I’m no longer completely alone. The distance between Ash and I, both emotional and in miles, has been so hard to swallow. I’ve never been afraid of being on my own before. I’ve had to be independent most of my life, but Ash showed me how amazing it is to have someone special around, or rather, how specialhewas to have around. Shit, will I ever get over him?
I’m thinking things through while getting some fresh air. I took the longer route home after seeing Scott off so I could clear my head. It’s not until I’m back in the uni grounds andnearly at my dorm, I note Eddie walking towards me. He’s smiling from ear to ear as he approaches.
“Calla?” I look up. “It is you? I nearly missed you there. How are you? It seems like ages since you were out with the crowd.”
“I’m okay,” I say, a polite smile curving over my lips as I pull my coat around me. “I’ve been busy, that’s all.”
“I’m glad I caught you. I was hoping we could have lunch soon. You did promise.”
Crap, I’d forgotten about that. “Oh, I’d love to, but I’m on this new fitness regime. I’ve already ruined it today by having lunch with my brother—birthday treat.”
“I was going to ask if you’d lost weight, but it’s not the done thing to ask a girl.” He laughs. Eddie is actually quite sweet, and I feel mean not taking him up on his offer, but I’m not exactly the best company right now.
“Is it his birthday or yours?”
“Mine, but it was a few weeks ago now,” I tell him.
“Wait, why didn’t you mention anything at the time?” He looks genuinely upset.
“I didn’t want a fuss.” The truth was, I didn’t want to celebrate unless I was with Ash. Not that it matters now.
“Rubbish. We have to celebrate your birthday. Let me take you for a burger tonight.”
