Chapter 19
19
Shazza
You okay?
Amber
Not even a little bit.
Shazza
I saw Tyler. He’s a mess. You really fired him?
Amber
Yep. I don’t want to talk about it.
Shazza
I figured, since you won’t talk to me in person. I’m worried about you. Both of you. He told me what happened. Are you sure you can’t forgive him? He was in an awkward position, and he wouldn’t have done it if he wasn’t putting you first, Amber. I really thought you guys had something going.
Amber
Don’t miss a trick, do you? I’m doing this for him. He deserves his own life, Shaz.
Shazza
I know you think that, but you might regret this. I’ve seen you two together. He would raise a million babies with you. It’s Tyler, Amb. He’s one of the good ones.
Amber
Exactly. It’s too complicated. I fired him to set him free. Trust me, I’m doing this for him. I know why he didn’t tell me about Bradley. He was looking out for me. He’s done it for so long I don’t even think he realises how much he spends his time looking out for me. I care about him too much to let it carry on.
Shazza
So tell me again, why you’re letting him go? Firing him isn’t exactly “I love you, please stay.”
Amber
I can’t talk about this. It’s done. Please. It’s taking everything I have just to get dressed for work. I’ve been sick since he left. It’s only been a week and I feel like my arm’s been ripped off. Why do you think I can’t talk to you face-to-face? I can’t stop crying when I’m on my own, let alone facing you.
Shazza
Want me to shut up about it?
Amber
Please.
Shazza
Fine. For now. I do have another question, though.
Amber
Sharon Marshall! What did I just say? Do you want me to bawl again?
Shazza
It’s not about Ty. Did you really do it?
Amber
He told you that too? About the sperm thing?
Shazza
Showed up at my place last night. Knew I was on my night off. He was half a bottle of Jack in. He would have told me his pin number if I’d asked. Kept banging on about a playlist he made that reminds him of you. I had to tell him my Spotify was down after the third time he played My Girl. So, did you?
Amber
I’m sticking to the plan. It’s best for all of us.
Shazza
Well, I’m here for you, bud, but you need more than me and you know it.
Amber
Managed this far, haven’t I? I’ll see you at work. Just, please. Don’t grill me. I can’t afford the Kleenex bill as it is.
Shazza
Fine, but you have to talk about it sometime. Oh, and don’t be mad, but I got barred from Sloane’s.
Amber
Wait – what? Why were you even there?
Shazza
I went to nut punch the owner. Matt drove me there, said I needed a getaway driver. I think I might really like him. Don’t leave Tyler for too long. Whatever you said really did a number. He took the job in London when you wouldn’t see him. I’ve never seen him like this. He looks and smells like some straggly yeti someone found living alone in the mountains. All growling and moody, and hairy. At least talk to him before he leaves. He needs you as much as you need him.
Amber
I’ll think about it. Did you really nut punch him?
Shazza
Yep. He cried. Hit the deck like a sack of potatoes. It was amazing. Matt laughed his arse off.
Amber
You’re a really good friend.
Shazza
I know. So is Tyler, though. Don’t let Bradley ruin everything. You wasted enough time on him. I know you think you’re doing the right thing here, but everyone needs someone in their corner. Tyler’s been in yours forever. Pretty sure he peed all over it and ruined it for anyone else.
Amber
Gross. Night, I love you xxx
Shazza
Love you more xxx