“Shit, sorry, Nathan, I forgot about Naomi,” she says, biting her lip.
I shrug. What can I say to that? I get they tell each other everything, but it doesn’t mean I have to like it. Well, it’s not that I mind. Maybe I envy what they both have, what they all have.
“Did you pass on that information I sent over?” Olly asks.
I nod. “Yeah, I did, but I doubt she’ll do anything. I don’t get why she just won’t leave.”
Pulling the pads off, I wipe over my face.
Meg lets out a heavy sigh. “Is she still with him?”
“Yeah, she says it's complicated.”
Silence falls between us, and I know all our thoughts are probably thinking about what happened to Clara. And I know that's why I’m more determined to try and help her, even under the circumstances.
“Do you think I should just cut all ties with her?” I ask, looking at Henry.
He looks to his feet and then to Meg.
“Honestly, yes and no. I know if you do and something happens, you’ll blame yourself. But it’s also not your problem. She’s not your responsibility.”
I look to Olly, his eyes dark violet. “Only you can make that call, man. But at the same time, you can only help someone who wants to be helped.”
Meg comes over and reaches for my hand. “You can only help someone as much as they’ll allow you.”
I squeeze her hand back. I know she’s telling me there’s no right or wrong way to handle this situation.
But there’s a reason I never pursued fighting as a career. My biggest fear is becoming a man like my father.
ChapterTwenty-Four
VIOLET
I haven't seen Nathan for almost two weeks, between my extra shifts at the club and getting stuff ready for the baby shower. We’ve texted and talked on the phone, though. Not about what happened after he stayed on the sofa, and I’m not going to push. I think it's a conversation we should probably have in person.
He’s coming over this afternoon to help me get the last of the favour bags together, and the thought makes my stomach flutter with excitement.
My mum offered to cook some of the frozen food, which I appreciate as I only have a single oven and there are only so many hours in the day. I’m going to make the sandwiches at the hall tomorrow since it's easier and that way they’ll stay fresh. No one wants dry sandwiches.
I made a point of buying a bottle of wine and some beer for Nathan, as well as some tortillas and chocolate, and I even got a pizza from Marks and Spencer.
The sound of my intercom makes me jump, and I get up from the living room floor and straighten my hand over my hair. This is stupid. Just be you, Vi.
“Buzzing you up,” I say, holding my finger on the button before putting the receiver down.
I go and wait at the door. Shit, why am I so nervous? I almost want to text Char, fuck. I’m seriously crushing on Nathan.
He rounds the stairs, smiling when he sees me, but he looks tired, his eyes dark, and I wonder what's wrong.
“Hey, Tink,” he says as I hold the door open. He leans down to kiss my cheek as he enters, and it's impossible to ignore how good he smells.
“Are you okay?” I ask, following him into the kitchen where he places a carrier bag on the counter and pulls out a bottle of wine and a couple of beers.
“Yeah, just tired,” he says, scrubbing his hand over his jaw.
“You should have said. I can do this on my own.” He looks over his shoulder at my living room floor.
“Yeah, no.” He holds up the bottle and gives it a little wiggle, a silent question.
