CHAPTER 4
REMI
By the time we reach the Blackbird, after a relaxed, easy walk, I notice Sebastian’s gone quiet.
Just before we head inside, he folds his arms across his chest, like he’s suddenly cold. His teeth catch his bottom lip, and he shifts his weight from foot to foot.
He looks uncertain. Vulnerable.
And something about that tugs unexpectedly at my chest, a strange tightness I don’t know what to do with.
Almost without thinking, I reach out and rest a hand on his shoulder.
It’s meant to be steadying, a quiet gesture of support.
Though if I’m honest, I don’t feel all that steady myself.
He tenses under my touch, just for a second, and I instantly wonder if I’ve crossed a line. But then, slowly, I feel the tension ease. His shoulders drop. He breathes out.
I let my hand linger a moment longer.
Then, lowering my voice so no one else can hear, I lean in and say gently, “Don’t worry, Sebastian. I know it’s been a while since you’ve seen Anne, but she’s still the same loud, lovely disaster she’s always been. I’m sure she can’t wait to see you.
And the others... they’re good people. Honestly.
You’ll be fine. You’ll have a great time.”
Then, in an even lower voice, closer to his ear, where I catch that same soft vanilla scent I noticed earlier, back when he literally fell on top of me, I add, “If I’m being honest… I need the distraction too.
I still can’t believe Maddie’s actually gone.”
A quiet sigh escapes me as I let my hand drop.
That’s when he turns to look at me, really look.
And for a moment, it feels like he sees straight through to something I didn’t realise I was wearing on the outside. Then he offers a steadier smile, the tension in his shoulders easing just a little, and takes a tentative step toward the pub.
“Okay… thanks, Remi. I know everything’s fine, it’s just…”
He trails off, hesitates, then shakes his head with a soft laugh.
“You’re right. Let’s enjoy the evening.”
We step through the door, and whatever nerves he had seem to vanish the instant his eyes meet Anne’s. It’s like something magnetic clicks into place.
Sebastian rushes toward her without a moment’s hesitation and wraps her in a hug. Anne, almost as tall as me in heels, towers over him by a good fifteen centimetres. He tucks his head under her chin, and she kisses the top of it gently.
They stay like that for a few seconds. Then he looks up at her, and as soon as their eyes meet again, they both burst out laughing.
Meanwhile, I make my way over to the rest of the group, greet them all, and let myself watch the scene unfold with a quiet sense of relief.
Francis, my best friend, throws an arm around my shoulders and leans in, eyebrows raised.
“Remi, mate… what’s going on here? Why is the new guy snuggling up to my girlfriend?”
I shrug off his arm and give him a light slap on the back.
“Don’t be ridiculous. You know they’ve been friends since they were kids, and they haven’t seen each other in years.”
Thankfully, I’d warned everyone in the group chat earlier that Sebastian would be joining us tonight. Otherwise, knowing Francis, he might’ve actually made a scene just for the drama of it.
Still, his brow is furrowed in a theatrically suspicious glare as he keeps glancing between Anne and Sebastian, who are still lost in their own little bubble, talking fast, laughing, clearly catching up on everything all at once.
I hang back, giving them space. I’ve no idea what they’re saying, but whatever it is, you can tell it’s been a long time coming.
I catch myself smiling and can’t quite explain why.
Then I turn back to Francis and lower my voice.
“Don’t be a dick, okay? Sebastian’s a good guy. He was already nervous before we even got here.
I think he still feels awkward about how things ended with Maddie, which I get, but that was years ago. They were kids.
So behave. Just give him a break.”
Francis doesn’t look convinced.
“Doesn’t it bother you, though? I honestly don’t get why you agreed to let him live with you.”
“Because Maddie asked me to,” I say flatly.
Then I add, “And no, it doesn’t bother me. We’re adults.
She’s in love with me.
And Sebastian… he’s actually not that bad.
So if I can deal with it, so can you.”
Francis lets out a reluctant grunt.
“Fine. Whatever you say, mate.”
But I’m not done.
“There’s nothing to worry about, Fran.
Sure, Sebastian’s a good-looking guy, but I seriously doubt he’s Anne’s type.
And let’s be real, everyone knows she’s completely in love with you.”
I shoot him a wink and nudge his shoulder again.
He pretends to glare at me, then strolls casually over to Anne and Sebastian like none of that conversation ever happened.
As I follow Francis back to the group, I hear him introduce himself, full of charm, all smiles, and I shake my head.
He can be intense. Way too intense sometimes.
But I knew he’d come around.
I introduce Sebastian to Noah and Jamie ,who are their usual cheerful, welcoming selves. Then we all settle around the table.
It’s a Saturday night, and the pub is packed.
The air is warm, thick with the scent of beer and freshly baked shepherd’s pies, the house specialty.
Laughter bounces off the walls, voices rising over the music, and at our table, everything feels easy. Relaxed.
I’m already hungry just thinking about the chicken and mushroom pie I’ve ordered, paired with a pint of cold Tennent’s.
Simple pleasures.
Across the table, I glance at Sebastian, sitting between Anne and Noah. They’re deep in conversation, but what really makes me smile is that he’s smiling too. Still a little shy, maybe. But clearly at ease.
He’s taken off his jacket and is leaning forward on the polished wood table, forearms resting in the soft amber light.
The tattoos catch my eye again, delicate lines, black ink curling up his pale skin.
His face is slightly flushed from the warmth, and while listening to Noah, he bites his lower lip, distracted.
Then, without thinking, he brushes a strand of hair from his forehead… and glances toward me.
And catches me staring.
The corner of his mouth curves into a subtle, knowing smirk.
Got you, it says without a word.
And instead of looking away, I hold his gaze.
I just nod and smile back, feeling something warm stir in my chest.
It’s not familiar. But it’s not unpleasant, either. Just… new.
Turns out I was right, it is going to be a good night.
And even without Maddie here, something unexpected settles over me:
I feel good.
Really good.