Page 110 of Painted Truths

I miss you already.

Yours.

H

My heart races at the promise in his words, even as I miss him with my whole self.

A sharp rap on the door draws me from my musings. So I slip on a light robe and cross the short distance from my bedroom, through my living area, to my front door.

I smile as familiar raised voices hit my ears. I throw the door open wide to find Nola and Jo standing side by side, tugging a package back and forth between them as they bicker loudly. Such typical behaviour from two of my favourite people, alongside the fact I’ve not seen them in what feels like forever, has me slamming into them. I throw my arms around both their bodies as they immediately stop their dispute to gather me up in their joint embrace.

“About time, girl! I’m sick of knocking and getting no answer. Where have you been?”

At Jo’s words, I realise that I’ve been so deep in my Henry bubble I’ve neglected to touch base with anyone—my destroyed phone meaning I’ve been unreachable.

Drawing them into my apartment, I launch into an entirely unbelievable story, obviously leaving out Henry’s secret. By the time I’ve reached the end, both women are staring at me wide-eyed, jaws dropped, resulting in a fit of uncontrollable giggles from yours truly.

“I think I need a stiff fucking drink, Liv. What a wild ride!”

Wagging my eyebrows at Nola earns me a chuckle at my response. “It surely was!”

“Come on, little nympho.” She pauses to look at Jo. “Who the fuck knew she had it in her?”

“Well, she’s definitely had it in her now!” Jo’s response makes the three of us collapse into gales of laughter before Nola composes herself.

Flourishing a wooden spoon from a drawer, she pretends it’s a magic wand as she gently taps the crown of my head. “I officially decree today Girls’ Day. So, as the inimitable Pink said, let’s get this party started!”

In true Josie style, she doesn’t do things by halves. Leaving my building quickly, we discover Samuel waiting outside.

Jo rounds on me with a wink as we approach the sleek black car. “Courtesy of the cock and balls himself, no doubt.”

It takes no time at all before Jo has demanded he bring us to her salon post-haste, which he does as stoically as ever.

Our trio are preened and pampered to within an inch of our lives over the following three hours, and I send more than one teasing photo to Henry, letting him know exactly what he’s missing while he’s away. I’ve lost track of the number of treatments, trims, and tweaks I’ve had by the time we’re set to leave, with Josie warning me that she will be styling me from her own wardrobe.

“It’s bound to be short and slutty, so—ouch!”

I burst out laughing at Nola’s words, which earn her a solid smack on the ass from her girlfriend, just as I hear my phone chime in my bag.

Without checking the caller ID, I slide the button across to answer.

“Hello?”

“Liv! At last,” a hyped-up Alex calls down the line. “Martha forwarded me your new number this morning. I was so worried when your phone was turned off and I couldn’t get in touch with you.”

I wasn’t planning on having this conversation right now, but no time like the present, right?

“Alex, I’m sorry I needed time to figure out what I wanted without any outside influences; you know? And before you say anything… I know I should have told you your brother was the guy from Velvet as soon as I realised, but I wasn’t sure I… I didn’t think you’d…”

My words stumble to a halt, fearful of destroying the friendship that has meant the world to me for so many years, until Alex speaks again, allaying all my doubts.

“Liv, sweet girl. No matter your choices, I just want to be here for you. No matter what, I will always be your biggest supporter.”

His words bring tears to my eyes, and it’s hard to get past the ball of emotion lodged in my throat. Swallowing hard, I manage to choke out a meek thank you without allowing any tears to ruin my makeup, lest Jo pitch a shit fit.

“Alex, underneath all that bluster, your brother has one of the most beautiful souls I’ve ever encountered. I know you don’t see it, but if you gave him a chance, you’d know what you’re missing by not having him in your life.”

“I’ll have to take your word that he’s changed because the man I knew was soulless… and I’ll never understand how he could just leave so callously that night, without a word.”