‘They’re lucky to have each other, then.’
‘Yeah.’
We’re each quiet as we make our way back to the flat, lost to our own thoughts, the only sounds between us the joint click of our heels against the paving stones. Neither Nat nor I will ever know the blessing and curse of a sibling relationship, even if I do consider Ivy my pseudo sis. And I suppose I’m lucky that I still have my mom, because Natasha’s only family is June.
‘Can I ask you a question?’ She’s uncharacteristically coy as we reach the door of Ivy’s place.
‘Wouldn’t expect it to stop you if I said no.’
‘Do you think Mac might fancy me?’ I feel my eyebrows pull together. ‘I mean, do you think it was a possibility he chose to watch someone who looked like me ‘cos he wanted to shag me?’
‘I don’t know. Honestly. I mean, it makes sense.’ Or it might’ve been a coincidence; what do I know—me—the person whose husband had womenfolk dropping their panties for him left and right. ‘Do you like him?’
‘I might,’ she says, inspecting her shoes now.
‘But he doesn’t have a beard.’
‘It’s not a deal-breaker,’ she says with a slight shrug. ‘He could grow one, couldn’t he?’ Her eyes rise again. ‘Might not be the best idea to bang my boss’ brother, though.’ She sighs.
‘Or your friend’s only brother.’
‘Aye. Ho’s before bro’s. Did I say that right?’
