Nice dress, where did you buy pls?
Chapter 24
I’ve been home a few days and moping around when Andrea messages:I’m back in Ed. Are you going to the NYE thing at the hotel?
I’m not sure what to say to that. Finally, I type,I haven’t been invited.
Andrea immediately rings.
‘Hi, I thought Bailey would have?’
My heart sinks like a stone. ‘Nope.’
‘Oh, it probably slipped his mind. Well, you should definitely come. It’s starting at ten. There’s a rooftop terrace to watch the fireworks and a few drinks. Nothing full-on.’
‘Maybe.’ Yeah, like that’s going to happen. There’s no way I’m going to put myself out there again. Besides, I’ve got my evening planned already: a heat-and-eat lasagne, a glass of red wine, and a movie with Crumpet. I’ll probably be in bed asleep by ten.
I wrestle between the curiosity to know what went on at the house and to remain aloof. Curiosity wins. ‘So what happened after I left?’
‘Nothing too much. We visited Ballindalloch Distillery. Bailey made a cake. We played charades and then had a nice dinner. We left the next day. Lewis and Bailey had to get back to the hotel to plan for New Year’s Eve.’
‘How was he?’
‘Who? Bailey?’
‘Yes.’
‘Missing you.’
My heart floats to the ceiling like a helium balloon and bobs around up by the cornicing. ‘Really? What makes you say that?’ I hate the eagerness in my voice.Tone it down, Holly.
‘He was moping around like a lost puppy. I’m glad for you, by the way.’
‘Don’t be,’ I say, deflating my own hope balloon. ‘Nothing’s going on.’
‘But I thought ...?’
‘It’s not going to work.’
‘Oh, are you sure? I got the impression he’s really into you.’
As much as I want to believe that, I can’t. From the way he scooted into the house, Bailey couldn’t wait to escape my company. Nothing seems to have happened with Andrea, though. Strange.
I grunt in reply, but Andrea doesn’t seem to hear.
‘It’s funny, I went up there with the intention of getting to know Bailey, but I ended up liking his brother.’
‘What? But Simon’s married!’ I exclaim, aghast. How could she?
‘No, not Simon, you dummy! Kirk.’
‘Kirk?’
‘Yes, I wasn’t too sure about him at first. But once we got to chatting, I discovered we had a lot in common, and he’s pretty cute.’
If you like the weaselly look, I think but then feel bad. Kirk is OK.
‘I know what you mean. He’s got layers, like an onion. They just need peeling back.’
