The Heart Series: Complete Boxed Set (97 page)

The bell chimed as I made my way into a busy Starbucks. I was hoping to miss Luke, but there he was busily serving away amongst the throng of people. I was in two minds to leave when his eyes locked on mine.

I guess I couldn’t now.

I joined the queue, praying that the other person would serve me, and I could hightail it out the door before he had the chance to talk to me.

Of course Luke served me.

“Hey Elijah, good to see you’re alive. B has been trying to get hold of you. Don’t you think you need to quit with the petty bullshit and answer your phone?”

“Excuse me?” I asked, almost shocked by his abrupt rude tone.

“You heard, now what do you want?”

Straight to the point then.

“A caffe mocha, no cream,” I replied curtly.

I was in no mood for small talk or politeness.

“Coming up.”

I grabbed my wallet from my back pocket, quickly handing over the change and swiftly left. I headed towards the park and sat and drank in silence while the chaos raged inside my head. B called for the millionth, but I ignored it too angry to care. How dare Luke confront me like I was in the wrong.

Petty bullshit?

His remark pissed me off even more. I could feel anger surge through me as I headed back to Starbucks to have it out with him. As luck would have it he was on his break. He was stood outside texting, not realising I was fast gaining on him.

“I think you want to think before you speak. This ‘petty bullshit,’ as you call it, was B once again sticking her nose in where I told her not to,” I fumed.

His eyes flashed to mine. “I think you took it way out of context. She was just looking out for you. She doesn’t want to see you hurt, that’s all. She sees Ollie blowing hot and cold, and she’s worried about you.”

“Well tell her not to be.” I snorted in annoyance.

“You need to speak to her yourself, I am not being the go between here.” His face told me that he was far from happy being the messenger.

“No one asked you to be,” I barked back. He should mind his own damn business, sticking his nose in where it wasn’t welcomed.

“Just talk to her, Elijah. She’s going stir crazy. I can’t handle much more.”

I had known B long enough to know she did go crazy if things didn’t go her way. “I need more time,” I insisted. I wasn’t in a forgiving place right now.

“Oh for fuck’s sake, Elijah, it’s been days. Either let her apologise, or tell her face to face, but enough of this pettiness hiding away, leaving us all to deal with the fall out.”

My rage levels were now soaring. “Oh whatever, Luke, you’ve been here five minutes, stay the fuck out of my way and never think it’s okay to give me advice,” I warned him. I couldn’t believe he had the audacity to do so.

“Stop being such a dick, and think about someone else for a change.”

“Oh fuck you. I was thinking about someone else, what she said to Ollie was unforgivable.” She had no business butting into the part of my life I told her to stay away from.

He stopped moving to look me straight in the eye. “I happen to think she was right, and it’s about time he manned up and stopped hiding behind you.”

His response shocked me. “Excuse me?” I took a few steps closer so we were practically inches apart.

“You heard, you pussyfoot around him in case he runs off screaming like a girl if anyone says a wrong word to him.”

“Don’t you fucking say another word,” I warned, feeling my teeth grind together in anger.

He laughed in my face. “Why what are you going to do?”

“Knock that smug smile off your face for a start.” And after that I would just see where my rage took me.

“I’d like to see you try,” he mocked, pushing my buttons even more.

“Oh yeah, well keep pushing me and I will.”

“Anytime, E, anytime.” He held his hands out like he was ready.

“Don’t call me E, you don’t get to call me that. We’re not friends.” I shoved him back, and he hit the brick wall with a thud. He groaned before lunging at me, grabbing me and spinning me so I was pressed with my back up tight against the wall.

“Don’t push me, mate,” he growled.

“I’m not your mate,” I hissed, watching as Luke’s eyes flashed with anger before suddenly witnessing a look of lust inside them.

What the fuck?

His breath tickled my face as he panted hard trying to compose himself as he continued to pin me up against the wall. His eyes dropped to my lips, and he stared hungrily at them. The air around us became electric, and I gasped lightly when he inched nearer so his body was pressed tight against mine.

What the hell was going on?

He panted and I felt my heart race with what—desire?

I needed to leave, but the stirrings inside were enough to keep me still. I stared deep into his eyes and lost myself. He licked his lips, and I gasped lightly wondering what his next move would be. But the moment was soon interrupted by a girl shouting Luke’s name, telling him his break was over. We quickly broke apart. He didn’t even spare me a glance as he stormed back inside, leaving me stood there panting, wondering what the hell had just happened.

* * *

“Oh there you are,” my mother called the moment I breezed through the door. I was hoping she’d be out. I needed to be alone with my thoughts to try to work out what had just happened, but her next words soon stopped me short.

“We have a visitor.” She smiled as I headed into the kitchen to see B sat there looking nervous.

“I told you not to meddle.” My eyes flashed at my mother, and she frowned at my abrupt tone.

“Elijah, Brianne is here to make amends, I think you owe her that at least,” my mother added softly. She gave me a silent exchange asking with her eyes for me to be more forgiving.

I huffed. But the look of hurt that crossed her face soon stopped me in my tracks. I looked over at B, and she looked like she’d been crying hard. The hardened part of me instantly melted. I smiled softly, and she slowly reciprocated. She stood up and headed towards me and before I could say anything, she launched her body and slammed against me, throwing her arms around me and sobbed hard into my chest. I held her for several minutes just letting all the pain and sadness slowly seep out before she finally pushed away to look at me, her glassy bloodshot eyes stared deep into mine.

“I’m so sorry, E, for what I said, for my actions. You were right, it was none of my business and I shouldn’t have interfered, but these last few days have taught me how much you mean to me. I have gone stir crazy, hoping you’d forgive me, but you wouldn’t pick up. I just wanted to apologise, to see you, to ask for your forgiveness. I need you in my life, E. I don’t function without you, you’re a part of me that I can’t do without. Say you’ll forgive me, that we’re friends. I need to know you’ll have me back into your life. I can’t bear to be without you a moment longer.” Her fingers clutched my T-shirt tightly as she broke out into even more sobs and I frowned. How could I tell her about mine and Luke’s moment? I didn’t want to bring on more tears, and maybe I had read it wrong? He was straight and with my cousin, he couldn’t be bisexual. I was just being crazy. Our moment had been nothing. It was all in my head, which was nothing new. I had a habit of overthinking things and hyping them to epic proportions. I had to just put it down to my overactive imagination.

I held B tighter and whispered that I forgave her and that it was time to stop crying and eat our body weight in ice cream. That immediately caught her attention.

We grabbed two tubs, sprawling out onto the sofa to watch one of my many chick flicks. B fell asleep against my lap, and I softly stroked her hair, staring at her serene face. I was worried about her. Was Luke good for her? I wasn’t so sure now, but I knew that was something she could only decide for her. I brushed her hair back, and she sighed snuggling in deeper. I decided keeping quiet was for the best. We’d only just made up, and I didn’t want to jeopardise our relationship for something I had possibly read wrong.

* * *

“So have you got anything planned for next week?” B asked in between bites. Did this girl ever do anything but eat? But she was looking a little gaunt. I guess she must have lost her appetite while we were feuding. I managed to grab a cookie before they were all gone, at this rate, she’d be eating us out of house and home.

“Next week?” I asked confused.

“You know the big birthday.”

“Oh yeah, totally forgot,” I added innocently. I hadn’t really, but with all the drama going on it didn’t feel like a good time to bring it up.

“So the big seventeen, one more year and you’ll be a man.”

“Err, I think I am one already,” I added sarcastically. Well I was the last time I checked.

“I know but you can finally drive.” She grinned. I couldn’t believe I would be finally able to get my own wheels.

“Yeah, it’s going to be cool. I’m going to pimp it out in my own style.” I could just see it now, it would be totally fabulous.

“I think I’ll walk then,” She teased.

“Oh shut your face, you’ll be up front proud as punch.”

“You’d better not get anything too girly.” She pulled a face at the very thought.

“Oh purlease, my car will be pure class. You will be so jealous.” Pretty much everyone would be envious after I had weaved my usual magic.

“Oh whatever. Anyway, let’s talk parties, now where can we have yours?” She suddenly looked deep in thought, contemplating a suitable venue.

“Well not here, I can’t do that to my mum again.” She had barely forgiven me for the last time, so that was definitely out.

“Yeah, don’t think Auntie Pam would like to be put through that again. Pissing in her aura rocks jar, that was just weird.”

I pulled a face at the memory. “What is wrong with people?”

“Too wasted to care. I could maybe ask Luke to have it at his?” B suggested, looking at me for approval. I had to stop the look of horror from spreading across my face.

“No, that’s fine, we’ll find somewhere else,” I replied quickly, attempting to change the subject. I needed to think of an alternative fast.

“No, really, I’ll ask,” she insisted, much to my annoyance.

Before I had chance to speak, she texted and instantly got one back.

“He says yes, that’s fine.” She grinned.

Oh great, birthday at the lion’s den.

“Does Luke live alone?”

“No, he shares with a couple of guys. They are really nice. I’ve practically been living there since we fell out. You know this place is like my real home. I’ve been lost not being here.” She sounded really sad, and I couldn’t help but feel bad that our spat had had such an impact on her home life too.

“What about your own home? Are things still that bad?”

“Yeah, they just argue all the time. I can’t be there to witness that. Can I stay here tonight?” she asked almost pleading.

“Of course, I’m surprised you even bothered to ask,” I teased, she never was one to stand on ceremony.

“Well, I don’t want to rock the boat.” She winked and I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Well, that settles it then. Do you want a theme or just causal party?”

I quirked an eyebrow and she laughed. “Theme party is then. What type of theme? Pimps and hookers?”

I pulled a look of disgust. “Errr no, more high class than that, thanks.”

“Ooh, how about The Great Gatsby?”

My eyes lit up at that idea. “Now you’re talking. Oh my god, I need a hat and an outfit, and I’ll have to part my hair and gel it. Can I grow a moustache in a week?”

“E, you’ll be still waiting till you’re eighteen for that to happen.” She laughed.

She had a point there.

“True. But ooh I’m so excited. We need to go shopping tomorrow for outfits and decorations. We’re going all out.” I could just see it now. My mind was working at a hundred miles an hour with all the planning that needed done.

“Jeez, I’m tired just thinking about it.” She launched herself back onto the sofa, snuggling down into the cushions.

“You’d better get your game face on tomorrow as we are shopping till we drop,” I warned. Tomorrow would be brutal.

She pulled a face at my honesty. “Okay, okay, can I just relax tonight then to conserve my energy?”

I rolled my eyes at her lazy ways. I was pretty sure she’d lounge for days on end if she could. “Fine, how about putting on a little Channing or Bradley, I need some guy candy.”

“Oh good choice. I think Bradley wins this time. Hangover okay?”

“Of course.” She sunk back into the chair and I laughed. It was back to business as usual.

I rolled my eyes for the millionth time that morning. We had set off early. Well, I had to drag B out of bed, only managing to placate her with getting up on a Saturday with the promise of a coffee and bagel. We had already graced many shop floors but to no avail. We were now in a vintage boutique, and B was stood admiring herself in the mirror.

“I don’t know, E, I think it should be shorter.” She scrutinised herself once more and I scowled. The dress was mid-thigh, any shorter and I swear you’d see her vagina.

“It’s fine, it looks really good on you,” I insisted, hoping she would just drop it.

“Really?” she asked surprised.

Ha, I knew that would distract her. “Yeah, amazing, I’ll set your hair into soft waves. Now all we have to do is buy some pearls and Mary Jane style shoes and, you’re sorted.”

“I don’t know, maybe I should try the other on again,” she mused. I yanked it off the rail, shoving it into the hands of the sales assistant. “Too late, it’s gone. That’s the one, trust me.”

“E, you can’t just do that,” she shrieked, horrified by my extreme actions.

“I can and will, now hurry up. I need a waistcoat, some braces and a handkerchief. It’s not all about you.” I winked before unzipping and placing the dress back on the hanger. “If you’re not out in two minutes, I’ll drag you out bra and thong. I don’t care.”

“You wouldn’t dare,” she fumed shooting daggers my way.

“Oh trust me, I would.” I headed off to pay for the dress. We were already behind schedule, thanks to B’s indecisiveness. We really needed to step it up if we were to get everything sorted.

* * *

I smiled placing the braces back into the bag. They were perfect, along with my shiny brogue shoes and my cravat. I was going to look amazing at the party next Friday night, even though I was slightly blowing my own trumpet.

B was busy flirting with the sales guy, despite the fact she was very much taken. My thoughts went back to Luke, and I instantly shook them away. Today was a good day, and I didn’t want to have to deal with that. It was all in my head, move on. When the sales guy pulled out his phone, I dragged B away. I knew she was very much smitten with Luke, but flirting was like breathing to her. She just couldn’t help it. We left behind an open-mouthed sales guy to head for all the party stuff.

I wanted a black and white theme to bring some elegance, so after many different shops we finally were able to find some black cups, black and white decorations that would look amazing hanging from the ceiling and some fancy little top hats that B insisted we buy. Arriving home, we both collapsed on the sofa.

“So it looks like you two had a good day,” my mother remarked, walking through.

“Your son is a slave driver, Auntie Pam. I swear I’ll never walk again.”

“Oh quit your whining, the exercise will have done you good,” I retorted. She always was a complainer.

“How about I get you guys a lovely cup of this new herbal tea, I’m trying. It’s very refreshing and invigorating.”

“Yeah, no thanks. Coffee is fine,” we both insisted. We were not falling for that again.

“You know drinking so much caffeine is not good for you.”

“Yeah, yeah,” we both muttered. We needed a caffeine fix pronto.

B kicked off her shoes and curled her feet under her. “I could sleep for a month.” She closed her eyes ready to doze off.

“Err, don’t you dare.” I poked her. We needed to get this list done.

“So who are we inviting?” B asked, grabbing a pen and pad beside her.

“Hmm, well I’ll invite a bunch of guys from school.”

“How many?”

I pulled a face deep in thought. “Say around twenty.”

“And then Luke will invite some of his friends,” she added, making a note.

“Hot guys?” I asked curiously.

“Well some are, his flatmate is pretty cute, not that I’ve taken much notice.” She grinned. Oh she had been looking alright.

“Well yeah, if they are cute of course invite them, nothing wrong with a little eye candy to brighten up the place,” I offered selflessly.

“I don’t think Ollie would be happy to know you are looking elsewhere,” she teased, giving me a look.

“Oh purlease, Ms I was flirting my arse off earlier with the sales guy and oh Luke has a cute flatmate. You look all the damn time.” I snorted at her ability to change the rules to suit her.

“True, can you believe we are both taken?” she asked almost unbelievably.

I sighed at the thought. “I know, we’re actually growing up.”

“Seventeen in seven days, time flies. You’ll need Botox soon.”

Oh the witch!

“At least I can always rejoice in the fact you are two years older.” I scoffed.

“Oh you had to bring that up,” she fumed, her eyes narrowed giving me the ‘if looks could kill’ stare.

“When you bring on the Botox jibes, what do you expect?” I huffed.

“Fair enough, I deserved that. So do you think you can dye my hair for me, please, pretty please?” She batted her eyes as I rolled my own.

“What, so no one will find out you’re not really platinum blonde?” I snorted.

“I am a natural blonde, just not in that sense.”

“Have you bought it?”

“It’s in my bag. Fancy doing it after dinner?” she asked looking hopeful.

“Maybe I had other things for tonight, you presume I’m not busy.” I didn’t, but I also didn’t want her thinking she could take advantage of all my free time.

“What? Like a Channing marathon?” She grinned.

She read my mind. She really did know me well.

“Well yes.”

“We can do it through here and watch at the same time,” she offered in a way to barter my services.

“After last time? My mother nearly had my balls. We’ll do it on a wipeable floor, thanks. I’d like to reach seventeen with my balls still intact.” I still to this day remember my mother’s reaction. She was not a happy bunny.

“Fair enough, and can you wax my eyebrows as well? Pretty please.”

“Anything else, Your Majesty.”

“Oh you know you enjoy it all. This time I want more of an arch.” She pulled her eyebrow up to emphasise her point.

“B, I’m not doing a permanently surprised look. You can go with the usual or nothing at all.”

“Fine,” she muttered begrudgingly.

“You’ll thank me for it in the long run.” I was saving her the embarrassment of all the sniggering behind her back.

“I suppose.” She snuggled into me and I sighed. “I’m so happy things are back to normal.”

“I never could stay mad at you long, even when you do test my patience.” She always had a way of winning me over with her persuasive ways.

“Oh you would miss me so much. Your life would be so dull without me, admit it.”

“I guess it would,” I conceded.

“Of course it would. We are like twins, no one can divide us.” Her eyes misted over slightly much to my surprise.

“What is up with you getting all emotional? Normally it would take a sledgehammer to crack that icy exterior,” I asked confused.

“I don’t know, I guess those few days apart gave me a different perspective. I hated us not talking. I don’t want to go through that again. Promise we’ll always be friends,” she pleaded, giving me a look that almost broke my heart.

“I promise. Now that we have all the mushiness out the way, how about we order some pizza?” I needed things to return to normal, B being emotional was seriously freaking me out.

B’s stomach rumbled signalling her approval. “Oh god yeah, a meat feast for me.”

“Now there’s a surprise.” I winked and she cackled.

“Oooh it’s Saturday, so Simon will be delivering.”

I clapped my hands in delight. “Oh sweet lord, get it rang in, that guy is beyond hot.” Simon was the sexiest delivery guy ever. He had a body that would make you drool more than the pizza. It was fair to say he made a hell of a lot of large tips from very happy customers that were more than happy to see him turn up at their door.

“I know, right? I could eat the pizza right off him, no plates required.” She was practically salivating before we had even put the order in.

“Oh hell yeah, that would be one fantasy I’d like to see brought to life.”

“Did you know he goes to my gym?” she said in such a matter of fact way like it was everyday news.

“No—has someone been keeping quiet so they can have him all to themselves?” The little witch, fancy not telling me something so significant as that.

“Errr maybe,” she replied, not even bothering to lie.

“Greedy bitch.”

“Well this girl doesn’t like to share, you know that,” she retorted trying to justify her actions.

“I might have to join this gym.” There were no buts about it, if Simon was there flashing that body in all his glory, I would be there to witness it all.

“No freaking way,” she fumed as I shook my head in disbelief at her reaction.

“Like I said greedy.” She never did like to share, always stealing from other kids as a child when she couldn’t get her way.

“You got that right.” She winked and leapt up to grab the phone and I laughed. I guess some things never changed.

* * *

“Keep your head still,” I barked. She always was twitchy from the moment I started brushing on the hair dye. How the hell was I supposed to do my job when she acted like she had ants in her pants.

“But you have gotten it on my face. I don’t want to walk around with an orange mark.” She groaned, looking annoyed.

“It would easily blend in with your foundation,” I added.

What? It was the truth.

“What a bi-atch.”

“Listen, do you want to do your own hair?” I was just about ready to walk away at her ungrateful antics.

“No.” She pouted.

“Well then put up or shut up.” I was done with her complaints. She was on my last nerve.

“Can you pass me another cookie, and I’d love another coffee when you’re done,” she all but ordered.

Excuse me?

“Cheeky bitch,” I muttered under my breath.

“I heard that,” she snapped.

“Good to know you’re hearing is still intact then,” I retorted sarcastically.

“Is that my phone?” B asked, jumping up.

“Jeez, B, next time give me a little warning.” I quickly wiped up the spilled dye before it had chance to stain.

She pulled a face. “Sorry, but I’ve been waiting for Luke to text me back.”

“You are definitely smitten, aren’t you?” I asked, feeling a level of unease run right through me.

“Yeah, I think he could be someone really special. I know it’s early days, but he really is perfect and he is amazing in bed. The things he can do with his tongue and his di—”

“Sheesh, enough with the overshare, thanks,” I exclaimed, widening my eyes.

“What’s wrong? Thought you liked listening to all the details, you’ve never complained before.”

“Yeah, but he’s your boyfriend, not a one-night stand guy that you throw away. I have to talk to Luke and be around him. I don’t need those kind of things in my head.” Things were already hard enough after our little altercation, without throwing any more embarrassing stories into the mix.

“Well fine, I’ll keep how amazing Luke is to myself,” she huffed, crossing her arms in annoyance.

“Good.”

“Fine.” She pouted.

“Oh don’t go in a mood, or else I won’t let you have any ice cream,” I teased.

“What kind?” she muttered, trying to appear uninterested, but she was not fooling anyone.

“Errr only your favourite, chocolate brownie.”

She bit her lip contemplating that thought. “Well okay then.”

I knew I would win her over.

“What’s happening with you and Ollie, got any further than kissing yet?” she inquired.

“That’s private.” I was not in the mood to say any more.

“Oh come on!”

“Nope, when you’re in a relationship some things stay private.” I wanted what was happening between Ollie and me to stay between us. B had already stuck the knife in once so I was not giving her any ammunition to interfere again.

“Do you really like him?”

“I more than like him,” I confessed.

I really did.

“Awww, I’m happy for you. Is he coming to the party?”

A smile broke out over my face at the very thought. “Of course. He’s my number one guest.” I was finally going to have my very own boyfriend attend my birthday party. It was a dream come true for someone who had spent the vast majority of the last few years single.

“Ahem.”

“Something stuck in your throat there,” I teased, knowing fine well what she was getting at.