A giggle escapes. “I’m kidding. Of course I’ll come. Send me Marie’s address and the time.”
Lucy claps her hands together. “Oh, Jesse will be pleased. He wanted me to bring you.”
My stomach flips. “Really?”
“Yeah, shall we pick you up?”
“No, no. I’ll get an Uber or something.”
“An Uber?” She laughs like I’ve just suggested riding there on a winged-back horse.
“Don’t they have Uber’s in this town?”
“One taxi firm, yes, but you usually have to book weeks in advance for a weekend.”
“Okay. I’ll sort something out.”
* * *
Lucy was right.I would have had more luck getting to the party on the back of a unicorn than getting a taxi in this small town. The only thing for it is to drive myself. I walk down the stairs in my deep purple skater dress, looking for my boots near the back door.
“Where are you going?” Kane stands in the doorway, his hands in his denim pockets.
“A friend’s house. Marie. I told you.”
“And where does Marie live?”
I roll my eyes and huff. “Blackwell Lodge, Derwent Road—”
“The big house on the Blackwell estate?” His fingers scratch the scruff on his jaw.
“Not a clue. I’m just going to follow the directions on Google maps.” I slip my black boot on and tie the lace into a bow.
“I’ll drive you.” He pulls the keys from his pocket.
I glare up at him while I pull on the other boot. “You’re not staying.”
He laughs. “Awe, why not? You embarrassed to be seen with an oldie like me? Don’t want me crashing your little party with your little rich friends?”
“After last weekend, no. You aredefinitelynot taking me.”
“Well, after last weekend, I think I should take you.”
“Do you not want me to have any friends in this town?”
“Come on. I’m fucking with you. I won’t embarrass you with your friends.”
I stand up and walk towards the door. “Promise?”
“Promise. Get in the truck.” Kane jumps in and starts the engine.
“Do you know where we’re going, or do I need to open Google maps?” I climb in and turn the music up, blasting out Nirvana.
He turns it down as we drive along the dirt road. “I know where I’m going. It’s on the other side of the lake, up the hill. A big white building. Your friend’s parents own a few estates around here.”
I’m not surprised. Marie always looks down at me. Lucy says she’s like that with everyone. Normally, I wouldn’t entertain people like her, but this is the second time Lucy’s asked me out with her friends and If I didn’t come tonight, I fear she’d stop asking and I’d fall off the radar.
“You call me when you need a ride back, okay?”
