“Where would you like to go?” I asked.
“Well, I’ve never been anywhere so anywhere would be nice.”
I got a sense of deja vu. I’d said almost the exact same thing to Alfie once standing on the roof of Harrington the first time we’d met.
“Ryan’s staying behind?” Keira asked her.
“Yeah, he’s mad about it but he gets it and we’re going to take a second trip anyway so he’s excited for that. Also he gets to spend time with his new grandpa which he’s over the moon about.”
My stomach turned over and I tried not to let the concern show on my face. “Ryan can stay with Alfie and I,” I offered. I would much rather have him with us than unsupervised with my father.
“That’s okay. You’re still healing and Ryan is a handful. Besides, dad wants to spend some time with him.”
I didn’t know how to tell her that was a bad idea without saying more. Was it a bad idea though? John had brought a mess into my life but Elliot had said he was clear of it now. Maybe it would be fine. Maybe I didn’t want to take the risk.
“They’re staying at the house?”
“Yeah, so they’ll be close if you want to check in.”
I would be checking in. Daily.
“Hey, so Riley told me that Alfie was the one who pulled some strings to make the wedding happen? I wanted to say thank you before I get wrapped up in wedding stuff and forget.”
“I didn’t do anything.”
“I’m guessing you’re the one that pulled Alfie’s strings, so thank you.” Natalie sat back in her chair and sighed. “I can’t believe it. I’m gettingmarried. You know, this might sound silly but I’m so happy that Alfie Tell came into our lives. I know he’s been a whirlwind but look where we are. I would never have found Riley if you’d never met him.”
“Every cloud, I guess.”
I gave Keira a look and for once she looked apologetic. Alfie didn’t deserve her jibes. Not anymore.
The day wore on. The sun set, we ate pizza and eventually, Natalie and Riley had to take Ryan home to go to bed. We had a busy day tomorrow.
After walking them out, Alfie returned to us where we were still cosied up on the patio. “Lola, you should come inside. I don’t want you getting too cold.”
“I have a blanket. I’m comfy.”
He frowned but didn’t seem to want to disagree with me. “Alright, I have a few things to tend to. Please call me if you need anything.” He looked at Keira. “Don’t let her do anything strenuous.”
“Sure, because we were going to put up some scaffolding and get to work on an extension because this place isn’t big enough.”
They rolled their eyes at each other and I hid a smile as Alfie went inside.
“So, are you going to tell me everything you haven’t been telling me yet? He’s not hovering over you because of a few bumps and bruises and I’m not buying his bullshit that you just had a car accident. Maia was shot. I’m not stupid, Lola.”
“I know, there’s so much and I don’t want to cry.” We had to have this conversation sooner or later. She’d been waiting to ask me about it all day. “If I tell you now, you can’t tell Natalie. This is her weekend and I’m not going to ruin it.”
“Alright.”
“Actually, you can’t tell anyone. We’d probably all be in deep shit if the police knew the extent of what’s been going on.”
Her frown deepened. “You’re scaring me. Is it Alfie? What’s he involved in?”
“No. It’s not him.” I told her everything. About my father, his mother, Julia. I even told her about the miscarriage. She was thefirst person I’d actually told, but of course she was, she was so many of my firsts.
She sat quietly for a moment, processing everything I’d told her. Her pouting mouth was set into a line for once as she chewed on her lip.
“How do you feel now about all of it?” That was a loaded question but one I had the answer to.
