Chapter 39
CHAPTER 39
L evi
Since Josh called with the news I’ve pretty much been sitting on my bed, staring at the wall. The biggest feeling is relief that it’s over, and that Winstanton got everything he deserved, for me and the others he preyed on, for Josh and for every life he affected with his organisation. But I’m finding it hard to conjure up any joy in it.
I’ve felt this way since I gave my evidence in the courtroom. It was hard, much worse than making my original statement, and even more difficult than when I was receiving a sentence. I did my best, even though I’m sure that weasel of a lawyer was trying to make out I’d wanted Winstanton. Urgh, the thought of it makes me gag. Having Mac in the room was tough. The longing to be able to touch him and talk to him was almost unbearable, but it also gave me strength. As I left the courtroom I risked a quick look over at Mac, but his head was lowered, which I hope wasn’t a sign that I answered anything badly. I realise this is where my low mood comes from—not knowing if I can see Mac yet and hoping he’s not disappointed in me.
Marina brings me a cup of tea and I tell her the news. She’s pleased, but she doesn’t try to cheer me up and she doesn’t fuss, which I appreciate. I need to get ready for work. It’s Friday, so the usual crew will be in, and with today’s news it’s likely to be lively. I try to summon up the energy. As I’m half dressed I hear a car outside. It’s not familiar to me and sounds far too racy for this village. Curiosity gets the better of me and I peer out the window as a sleek black Mercedes SL pulls up outside. I can’t help the low whistle that escapes me. It’s a natural reaction to a car so beautiful. The last time a nice car stopped here it was Mrs Thorpe Vale, so I hold my breath as the door opens and Mac steps out.
Mac? Here? And in a Mercedes SL? It’s like a scene from one of my dreams except, well, in that one we’re... never mind that now. What is going on?
I don’t move from the window, but I manage to pull my T-shirt on over my head as Mac walks up the path. I hear him greet his mum, probably telling her about the trial, but within a minute I hear his tread on the stairs, the ever-telling creak.
“Levi?” he calls through the door.
“Come in.”
Suddenly he’s there, larger than life, looking as fucking handsome as ever. He pauses for the briefest of seconds then crosses the room in two strides and crushes me against him. I find his mouth with my own, needing to taste him. It’s a desperate kiss, all teeth and tongue, and right now it’s perfect. He stops when we need air and he cups my head, whispering into my hair, “We did it, we did it.”
The walls I’d been holding up, the uncertainty of what Mac thought of me, come crashing down. Relief that he thought it went well, joy that he’s here now and still wants me, and a final realisation of the verdict crowd into me all at the same time, and I end up sobbing against him.
He holds me closer, his hand rubbing up and down my back.
“I’m sorry,” I say, pulling away slightly and touching at the dampness I’ve left on his T-shirt.
“Don’t be,” he soothes. “I know what it can be like. Just take your time.”
He guides me to the bed and we sit on the edge, his arm still holding me close.
“You were amazing in court,” he says softly.
“Thanks, but that lawyer was a right prick.” He chuckles at my words.
“Yeah, sorry about that.”
“Sorry?” I look up at him in confusion and his face takes on a bleak look.
“After the break, the line of questioning he took. I might have made it worse.”
“How?”
“I was furious at how upset he made you, enough that you had to take a break. I found him in the bathroom and I just saw red. I was this close to crushing his windpipe.” He holds up a finger and thumb with a tiny gap between them. “He took a stab at why I might have reacted that way and changed his questions. I’m sorry.”
I stare at him for a minute, and my heart starts thumping in my chest.
“You did that? For me?”
“Can you forgive me?”
“Thank you. No one’s ever done anything like that for me before. Stood up for me.”
“Lets hope I never meet him alone in a dark alley.” I agree, I don’t think much of his chances, not that I’d be sorry.
“Fuck.” I jump up. “I’m gonna be late for work.” I start gathering up my hoodie, trying not to be sad that I have to leave Mac so soon.
“No you’re not,” Mac says, and I stop in front of him.
“My shift starts in fifteen minutes.”
“I spoke with Darla. She’s got you covered and you have two weeks off.”
“Wha—”
“I have too. Got two weeks and I want to take you away.”
I’m stunned into silence as I try to make out what he’s saying.
“Us?”
“Yep, just us, for two weeks.”
Is this guy for real? A few minutes ago I’d wondered if I’d ever see him again, and now I get him for two weeks, just to myself. I need to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming. Instead I sit in his lap, straddling his legs and kissing him breathless.
He goes to tell Marina while I pack a bag, though he says I won’t need many clothes, that I’m not going to have time to wear them, which fills me with delight. When I come downstairs Marina is beaming at me, so I guess he’s also told her about us. She pulls me into an extra long hug and then tells us to wait. She disappears into the kitchen and returns with a box.
“For the journey,” she says, handing it to Mac. He lifts the lid and I catch the scent of chocolate pinwheels and shortbread.
“Thanks Mum,” he says, hugging her.
When we get outside I remember the shiny black Mercedes.
“Mac, did you buy yourself a new car?”
“Not exactly,” he says with a wide smile.
He tosses the keys over to me.
“It’s yours.”