‘Chat…’ He never wants to chat. Lecture, now that’s more his style these days. ‘Go ahead.’
He flicks a glance at Liz, and she turns and leaves, not needing to be asked.
‘Can we go somewhere more private?’
Oh god, he’s in serious mode now.
I nod, following after him, feeling anxiety lick up my spine.
What could be serious enough to make him want to speak to me in private?
Ru clears his throat as we approach the strawberry patch. ‘I wanted to check to see how you’re doing… you and erm… Liam seem to be talking more.’
Yeah, we’ve been doing a little more than talking, and every time has been in secret. Which for some reason has made it so much hotter.
Where is he going with this?
‘Yes…’ I answer.
I swear, if he’s about to try and give me some relationship advice, I will throat punch him.
‘Do you erm…’ he pulls on the neckline of his shirt. ‘Like him?’
‘Like him? What am I, in Primary school?’
‘Jesus Isla, I’m trying here.’
‘I don’t know,’ I drop my gaze to the floor.
Yes, I guess I like him. I mean, hello, all you have to look at is my swollen belly to know I at least liked the guy in some way to end up in this situation, but I don’t think that’s exactly what Ru is getting at.
‘What’s stopping you?’
I look up, surprised by his observation.
‘I’ve known you your whole life, remember.’ Ru smirks cocking a dark eyebrow and looking far too much like a distant memory.
‘You know you look so much like dad right now.’
His dark hair, shorter on the sides than the top, frames his harsh features and sharp jawline. His eyes are a darker green than mine and dad’s but apart from that he’s his double. Well, that and the hundreds of tattoos he has.
‘And I’m trying to do him proud right now and be there for my baby sister.’
‘Nice guilt trip.’ I snark because I really don’t want to dig deep into my issues with emotional intimacy right now.
Ruaridh just arches a brow not engaging with me, and I sigh.
‘I don’t know. I guess I just don’t want to get my hopes up for it to turn out shit.’
‘Why would it turn out shit?’
‘It always does.’
Ru and Vish left me alone, and then, when I thought I’d finally found someone who made me happy, she disappointed me too.
‘Talk to me, Isla. Please.’ Ruaridh implores, big green eyes looking like they want to hold all my worries. Argh annoying big brothers and their caring mentality.
‘I liked someone and they did what everyone always does.’
