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She peeked back through the doorway, catching sight of Lucy reaching the top of the stairs. Lucy pulled the straps of Alex’s crammed backpack onto her shoulders and winced as it kicked heavily against her back. She weaved like a drunk college kid, then regained her balance. She acknowledged Harry with a polite wave.
“Are you sure you don’t want a tea or need a hand with your stuff?” asked Harry, waving back.
“Nah,” Alex smiled at him knowing that Olivia couldn’t miss it. “It was kind of you to let me push back my moving date a few weeks to coincide with Cider with Rosie leaving Lucy’s.”
Freddie stomped up the stairs and landed with a pout. He grasped a suitcase handle in each hand, and bumped and banged down the stairs towards the front door and the waiting taxi.
Olivia’s face pinched tighter with each slam in the stairwell.
“I’m just sorry I haven’t been home much. Bespoke’s been off the charts. I haven’t had time to breathe,” said Harry.
“Don’t I know it,” said Olivia, reminding everyone of her presence.
Harry sniggered and smiled at Alex. “Shame you couldn’t stay longer, but I understand why you’re going. A larger bedroom, your best friend? You’d be mad to pass that up.”
“You’ve been wonderful hosts these past four months.” She tossed her laptop bag onto her shoulder. Fibbing to Harry had become commonplace lately, though it still didn’t sit well.
Tom stomped into the front room clad in only his boxer shorts. He bumped into his sister and hurled a scowl at her. “Why didn’t you tell me she was leaving? Cheers, Olivia.”
“I didn’t hear you come home last night.” She juggled the newspaper that Tom dislodged from her arm.
“Who’s going to feed my newfound Lucky Charms addiction, eh, Alex?” He wrapped himself around her shoulders, squeezing her close. “Maybe I’ll see you at Broadway Market sometime. Or at the Royal Court. Give me a shout if you want a theatre buddy, yeah?”
Alex smirked at his boozy aroma. “Will do. Thanks, Tom.”
“And if you want me to proofread your plays, Alex, just say the word.” Olivia took a dainty sip from her cup and sat on the arm of the purple sofa.
Harry swiveled in place, nodding to his girlfriend. “That’s my girl. I’m so glad you two got to know each other.”
Alex sucked in a quick breath and widened her eyes before Harry turned back. “Yeah…”
“So, this is it, then.” Harry ran a hand through his hair.
They both extended their arms at the same time. He lingered in their hug. “I’m always here if you need me, okay? Don’t be a stranger.”
Chin on Harry’s shoulder, Alex met Olivia’s stare, but didn’t blink or look away. “I won’t, I promise.”
Olivia’s eyes narrowed. Tom dropped down on the sofa, shaking its frame and unsettling his sister’s perch.
“Before I forget…” Alex rifled through her hoodie pocket. A set of keys clinked in her hand. She handed them over with a big grin. “Thanks, Harry.”
“Anytime. See ya.” He stood in the doorway, watching her leave.
Tom hollered from the sofa as he crinkled the pages of Olivia’s newspaper. “Bye, Miss America.”
Olivia curled her lip. “Bye, Alex. Best of luck with your next play.”
• • •
Lucy pushed the last of Alex’s bags into her new bedroom. “I hope you didn’t mind that we didn’t come in to chat. I couldn’t be held responsible for my tongue. It has a mind of its own.”
“Fine by me,” said Alex. “Olivia hung around like a bad smell. Heaven forbid I spend five minutes alone with Harry.”
She dropped backward on the bare mattress and bounced several times. “A real bed. And a window and bookshelves…”
“It’s definitely brighter and bigger than the bat cave at Harry’s, and your female flatmate’s much friendlier, too. Shame there’s nothing here to match the titillation of Tom’s midnight sexcapades.” Lucy winked and skipped out of the room.
Freddie breezed in and flopped down beside Alex on the bed. “I’m famished. Time to pay your movers. A lovely bacon butty or sausage roll would be ace, thanks.”
