Chapter Thirty-Two
Fallon
The past week has been like an out of body experience. I may as well just move my ‘floordrobe’ to Luke's house, I'm there that often. But I've promised myself I'd go home tonight after work. If anything, to make sure everything is still there, and to wash some of my clothes.
That isn't the only reason I'm heading home tonight, though. Maya is finally home. They're staying at her cabin for a few weeks, and I'm dying to see my best friend. I don’t know how she’s going to take the news about me having a boyfriend, especially one that I haven’t even mentioned dating. But I can't hide him for much longer. Just a few more clients to go, and then I will be heading over there. Tommy and Max are going out for dinner to give us some much needed girl’s time, which has surprised me since he hasn’t left her side in pretty much a whole year.
“Hey, queen,” Blair says as she comes over to the front desk. “How come you’re out here? I thought you were fully booked today?”
“So did I, but I have had another no-show,” I slump into the chair more. “A woman called Charlotte Spencer, have you heard of her? This is the third time she’s done it now.”
“Nope. I’d black list her from the system so she can't book in again,” she deadpans.
I wish I were as ballsy as Blair, but something inside of me won't let me do it. Although I really should. Money doesn’t grow on trees after all.
I just don’t understand why she keeps booking an appointment, only to not show up.
Is it someone pranking me? Surely no one is that bothered by me that they’d take the time to make a fake appointment.
“Yeah, I guess I don’t have a choice,” I say, turning back to the computer. “I just wish I didn’t have to.”
“At least you get an early dart,” she says, elbowing me in the side. “We’re stuck here for another four hours yet.”
Tonight is the one night of the week we all work late together, but the second I found out about Maya coming home, I made sure to block out some time.
I can't wait to get all wrapped up on that big comfy new couch of hers. I’ve even brought my blanky to work today so I can take it straight there.
Who even am I? Getting excited for a night in over a night out. How times have changed.
“I’m going to head over to Mayas, breakfast date before work tomorrow?” I ask.
“Yes, get that greasy food in my belly!” She says with more enthusiasm than I've ever seen.
Laughing to myself, I grab my stuff and head over to give my best friend the world's biggest hug.
As soon as I get to the cabin door, I fling it open, making it bang against the wall.
“Honey, I’m hooooome,” I call out.
I hear her laugh before I see her. She rounds the corner with a scowl and a smile. I just stand there, with my arms crossed, waiting for what I know will happen.
“Bang that fucking door again and I’ll…” she starts, but doesn’t finish as I launch myself at her.
“Stop fucking leaving me, woman. It’s bad enough that your memories went down the shitter, but to piss off to the other side of the world…”
“Fallon, I’m literally a one hour drive away.”
“Well, it feels like further. Please tell me you're home for good, because I just can't take this shit anymore,” I say, squeezing her tighter.
She laughs, wrapping me up in her arms just as tightly as I have her. When we finally break away, we link our arms and head over to the sofa. On the coffee table in front of us, there is already a bottle of wine, two glasses, and bowls of snacks. What more could a girl ask for?
Oh, I know. My blanket!
Pulling it out of the bag, I give Maya a cheesy grin and cover our legs with it.
“God, girl. I have missed this,” I say, relaxing back against the cushions.
“Me too, so so much. I love Tommy's house, but it just isn't the same when no one else is around. Don’t get me wrong, I love him, but I love you lot too.”
“I know what you mean. We just need to pick up that house and plonk it down somewhere closer to here.”
Maya's eyes sparkle with mischief as she sips at her wine.
“Well, it's funny you should say that…” she lifts her left hand, brushing her hair out of her face and a big fucking rock shining so bright the gleam nearly takes out my eyeballs.
What, the, fuck.
Grabbing the hand, I drag it over to me, causing Maya to almost spill her drink.
“You’re engaged?” I cry. “Oh my god, please tell me I am going to be the most beautiful bridesmaid you ever did see.”
“If you behave,” she giggles. “But not only that. We’re building a house, here in Bewdley!”
We both grab each other's hands and scream. This is the best fucking news I have heard in way too long. I’m so happy, I could stand up right here and dance. Finally, I'm getting her back.
She goes into all the details of how he did it, how romantic it was, and how they're going to make the most amazing home. And all I do is sit and listen to every word.
“So, tell me about you. Have you got any gossip for me?” she asks.
“Erm, well. Kind of,” I trail off, unsure how to tell her. “Do you remember Luke? Oh, I mean, Dr Smyth?”
“Of course I bloody do. I feel like I've seen him more than you this year,” she laughs, then eyes me sceptically. “What about him?”
“We’ve kind of been dating for a little while,” I say when she interrupts.
“I knew it! I had a feeling the last time I saw you two together. He is gorgeous, Fallon. Is he as nice as he seems?” She edges forward on her seat, excitement radiating from her.
“Oh, Maymay. He is even nicer than you could possibly imagine. And sexy. And funny. And a God in the bedroom.”
“Ahh, Fallon. You love him, don’t you?” She coos.
The word love has my stomach doing front flips. Do I? Maybe I'm starting to. Would it be such a bad idea if I were? I’ve already agreed to being in a relationship.
“Not yet,” is all I say. “But, I am officially his girlfriend.”
“What!” she jumps from her seat, doing her own little happy dance. “This is amazing. I love this for you. But Fal, how the hell have you managed to keep this from me for so long?”
She actually looks disappointed now. What does she expect? She hasn’t been here, and she knows I'm not one to brag about this kind of thing. She is the only one who really knows the extent of what I've been through after all.
“I wasn’t ready,” I admit.
“Oh, babe, you know you could have called me, don’t you?” She asks, her tone taking on the parental sadness she loves to use on me.
“Yes, now stop mothering me,” I force a laugh. “Anyway, I need to know more about the new house, and where my bedroom will be. And how many nieces and nephews am I going to have?”
“For fucks sake, Fal,” she laughs.
But it doesn’t stop her from diving in and telling me all about what it is they have planned. Halfway through, my mind drifts to thoughts of Luke, and if I will ever be ready to want this much of a future with him.