‘Thanks, I…’ Surprised us both by squeezing her in quick, hard hug. Not just about being kind to myself, is it? About being kind to others too. Stepped back. ‘Anyway,’ I mumbled, ‘what needs doing?’ Better to focus on keeping busy, than anxiety.
Kirsten pointed to a long trestle table. ‘Start laying that please?’
Everything was fine at first. Set table, chased Rosie across grass after she tried pinching Skittles, tickled her ‘til she giggled for mercy. Greeted party guests, politely, if not enthusiastically. Air warm, so was comfortable in denim shorts and loose T-shirt with curly hair in ponytail. Distracted myself from anxieties by supervising bouncy castle. Reminder of family gatherings, and playing with various cousins’ children. Used to adore being part of the chaos.
Ended up standing in paddling pool, spraying Rosie’s friends with hose. Enjoying their laughs and shrieks as they jumped around, hopping in and out, yelling, ‘Again, again!’ Cupcakes and sweets were causing sugar high and didn’t envy their parents at bedtime. Was enjoying myself so much, forgot to stay alert.
Let my guard down.
Jolted when deep voice remarked, ‘After our first meeting, there’s no way I would’ve predicted finding you in a paddling pool.’
‘Oh!’ Hand flew to chest, and caught my breath. Ethan. ‘It’s rude to sneak up on people.’
‘I didn’t.’ His smile was puzzled. ‘I said hello, but you were having too much fun to notice.’
Blustered, ‘I don’t think so, I?—’
‘There’s no shame in having fun. We’re allowed.’
Twisted head to look at him. Tall, broad shoulders, blond, wide smile, good teeth, sparkling blue eyes. Stomach dropped.No, Tori. Not ready for this. Nothing close. Besides, don’t know him, even if Albie’s mentioned he pops in regularly to meet with the association, or phones to give advice.
Just as formulating exit strategy, sheet of water soaked us. Gasping, we turned to see little boy holding yellow bucket, cheeky expression on face.
‘Gotcha!’ he yelled, filling bucket again.
Without thinking, waded through thigh-high water, singing, ‘I’m gonna getyou…’
With a happy laugh, threw himself at me. Caught off guard, fell over and huge wave swished over side, soaking nearby chattering parents and surprising yelps from them.
Staggered to feet, grinning at small adversary. ‘Oops, think we’re in trouble.’ Cackling, he scrambled out of the pool and ran away.
Turned to Ethan, whose pink shirt was wet-through. ‘There are towels somewhere.’
‘Um…’ he trailed off, staring at my midriff. ‘Tori, I had no idea.’
Looked down. Sodden T-shirt transparent and twisted around ribs. Knotted scars on display, and hands flew up to tryand cover them, but was too late. Parents close by fell silent. Cheeks scalded as someone muttered, ‘Oh my god, poor girl.’
Swearing and mumbling, tried yanking T-shirt down but was tangled. Face burned brighter. Why couldn’t they stop staring? Clambered from pool but legs unsteady and stumbled. Ethan stepped forward, and I shied away.
Harley strode up, taking in situation. Gave everyone scathing looks, and muttered, ‘It’s rude to stare.’ Whipped off his top. Thick scar down middle of chest, delineating pecs. Held it out to me. ‘Here.’
Never dreamt Harley would be the one supporting me in a crisis. Snatched his top gratefully, yanking down over my wet T-shirt. Without looking at anyone, raced toward home, where no one could look at me.
Didn’t realise Ethan followed until I was in manor hallway, dripping onto pristine wooden floor. He grasped my upper arm gently, spinning me around. ‘Hey, Tori. Wait. Let me just?—’
‘You’ve done enough!’ If looks could kill, would’ve been laid out cold in seconds. Shrugged off his hand and backed away.
‘What do you mean?’ Nonplussed, but gave me space. ‘It’s not my fault he threw a bucket of water?—’
‘No, but you drew attention to my scars. If you’d told me quietly to pull my top down, none of that would’ve happened. Do you know how humiliating it was? How much of a chance I took wearing this outfit, instead of covering up?’
‘No! I don’t, because you barely interact with me, and Albie won’t tell me anything about you.’
Breath stoppered in throat. ‘You… ask about me?’
‘Well, yeah.’ Ran a large hand through his blond hair, darkened by water.
My voice hardened. ‘Well, don’t.’
