“I wish I weren’t so worried about what they might think. But Max, I physically can’t be without you any longer.”
He kisses me softly, pulling my body flush to his.
“For now, we will keep it between you and me. As long as I have you, I don’t care about anything else.”
We’re almost back at Bewdley when I get a message from Riley.
Riley– Tonight. 6 pm. Teasers. The bar opens at 7 pm, so you have a chance to meet the team before it opens.
My palms start to sweat as I read the message again. I never told him I was going to go for it. Or that I was coming home. I thought I’d have more time to think about it. Do I go? I feel like I have to now.
Riley– I can see you’ve read the message, Lucy. It’s only to see what you think of the place. Ask for Suzy.
How I have only met this man a handful of times, and he already knows me so well, I’ll never know.
Lucy– Okay. I’ll be there. But I’m not promising anything.
Riley– Listen, it's easy cash, and I’m down a dancer. You’ve got this.
“Is everything okay?” Max asks from the driver’s seat.
“Yeah, just a job offer. They’ve asked me to pop by tonight.” I’m not lying per se.
“I didn’t realise you’ve been looking for work. Where’s the job?” He asks, seemingly genuinely intrigued.
Keep it cool. You’re not lying. You’re just avoiding the truth.
“Just a small bar in Worcester. I’m going to go and check it out tonight.”
“Sounds cool. I wish I could come with you, but tonight’s the night we’re planning to get Maya and Tommy back together in the same room.” He smiles.
All of their friends have come together to make a plan to get them to meet again tonight. Since her accident, she hasbeen struggling with her memory and still doesn’t quite know who Tommy is.
“I hope it works. I can’t stand to see him like this for much longer.”
“Yeah, me too,” he replies sullenly, “he just needs that one chance to see her.”
“If I’m done at the bar handy, I’ll come and meet up with you all,” I tell him, threading my fingers through his on the gear stick.
In only a few more minutes, I won’t be able to touch him like this. And I have no idea when we will next get the opportunity. Just the simple things like holding his hand, leaning into his side, or even looking at him the wrong way could blow this whole thing up.
I’m just not ready for that to happen. Not yet.
