I don’t realize how eagerly I’m waiting for Hendricks until Miles walks around the corner with Clementine. Disappointment knocks the wind out of me. Outside of the Valentine meetings and the day we erected the stand, we don’t talk much except on drop-offs and pickups. Easing into our new friendship.
“Uncle Miles. Auntie Clem,” he cries, taking off before remembering the rules, at which point he grinds to a halt and turns around, yelling, “Miss MacIntosh, Uncle Miles and Auntie Clem are here. I’m going.”
Miles catches him at full pelt and swings him in the air. “Hi, buddy, let’s go and get in the car.”
“Where’s Daddy?”
“He went to London with Granny. But guess what, we’re going to Foxleigh?—”
“CHESTER,” Max screams, wriggling until his feet are firmly on the ground again so he can run off.
“Hang on, Maxy.” Clementine pulls him back. “I want to say hello to Miss MacIntosh.”
Clementine steps toward me, and I wonder if I’m about to be on the receiving end of the same treatment Miles usually aims my way. I was close to Clemmie, but only in the way you’re close to your best friend’s siblings. When I left Hendricks, she was at university, and our ties were cut. So the hug she yanks me into takes me by surprise.
“It’s great to see you, Story.”
The tension I’m carrying softens against her. “Good to see you too, Clem. You look really well.”
“Thanks, so do you. Let’s go for a drink and have a proper catch-up, though. I want to hear all about Australia.”
I glance at Miles, who’s seconds away from tapping his foot. “Yes, I’d like that.”
“Clem, let’s go.”
She frowns at Miles, who’s yet to acknowledge me. “I’ll catch you up.”
He huffs, like it’s my fault Clementine is standing here, but doesn’t move away.
“Do you want to take my number, or I can get yours? I can ask Hendricks if he has it.”
Miles tuts. It’s followed by another long huff.
“Calm down, Milo. No one’s stopping you from going to the car. Why are you in such a mood all of a sudden?”
“It’s me.” I force my voice to stay calm, but honestly, he’s such a dick it’s amazing to me he shared the same egg with Hendricks. “He’s still annoyed he got punched in the face.”
I’m facing Clementine, but the words are directed at Miles, and he knows it. The starter pistol goes off.
“You thinkthat’swhy I don’t like you? Typical. You’re so fucking conceited, Story.”
“Uncle Miles, you said a bad word again.”
He peers at his nephew. “Sorry, Maxy. Cover your ears.”
Clementine gasps, but I’m reeling. “I’mconceited? Miles, there’s literallyno one on this planet more arrogant than you.”
“The difference between you and me is, I own it. I don’t pretend I’m Little Miss Perfect, then go around destroying people’s lives.”
“Miles—” Clementine warns.
“No, Clem, this has to be said?—”
She shakes her head, mouths, “Sorry,” to me, and holds her hands out to Max. “Max, come on, come and hang with me. Let’s go and see if any crocuses are coming up yet.”
He dutifully takes it and asks, “Auntie Clemmie, are you fifty?” as they walk away.
Miles steps in closer, enough so that the parents still collecting their children can’t hear. He’s thoughtful that way. “I was the one who had to pick up the pieces when you left.Me.”
