Page 77 of Burning Embers
“Oh, and I got you this.” I hold up the wine bottle.
Her eyes crease. “Has something happened?”
I shake my head. “No, of course not. I just wanted to stop by. I couldn’t stop thinking about you.”
Her shoulders relax, and I follow her to the kitchen. She sets the plant on the small windowsill, where it fits perfectly, then puts the wine in the fridge.
Turning back towards me, she walks straight into my body and wraps her arms around my back. And just like that, I can breathe again.
“I missed you,” she says.
I kiss the top of her head and pull her closer. “I missed you, too.”
I hold her, reluctant to let go when she pulls back. “Do you want a drink or something to eat? I have leftover cottage pie—if you’re hungry?”
“I could eat,” I reply.
She smiles, then makes me sit at the table while she heats it in the microwave. “Drink?”
“Water, please.”
“It’s only tap water.”
I let out a laugh. “Perfect, thanks.”
I get up to try to help, but sheshoosme away. Being with her eases any doubts I have when we’re apart. I am right where I want to be.
Chapter Forty-Eight
OLLY
Rachel would likely kill me if she knew I was here.
I snuck the receipt for the pawnbroker out of her kitchen drawer when she was in the bathroom. The fees are astronomical in these places, especially for a watch like hers. But it’s not the physical value, it’s the sentimental value that makes it priceless. I can’t sit there knowing she doesn’t have the one possession, other than her car, which means the most to her.
It was only by chance I came across it in the first place when I was hunting for a corkscrew. She wasn’t lying when she said it was in the shop, however, didn’t elaborate either.
I can’t say I’m surprised. She’d starve if it meant providing for Molly, of that much I am sure. It infuriates me she even has to do it alone. Marcus is a real fucking piece of work, and I still struggle to comprehend how he had a part in making such a beautiful daughter like Molly. But then, I’m also not. With a mother like Rachel, what child wouldn’t flourish? If I were to have children of my own, I couldn’t think of anyone more suitable than her.
But fuck if the thought doesn’t scare the shit out of me.
I have more than enough to cover the cost. I know she’s too proud not to pay me back so I won’t even insult her by rebutting her. She’s independent, and part of me knows this could cross a line with her, but I’m prepared to take the chance.
“Thank you,” I say to the man behind the counter. He’s been a great help. He was suspicious at first, but when I explained what I was doing, his demeanour softened.
“You know, that young lady has sold everything she had of value except the shirt off her own back…andthatwatch.”
I nod in understanding. Sometimes I take for granted how fortunate I am, but I’m not oblivious to how quickly it can all be gone in a heartbeat. If anything, it makes my resolve to help her even stronger.
“Well, I’m just glad she has someone to help her carry the load.” He shakes my hand with a quick nod.
“Me too, and thank you,” I reply before making my way to the door to wait for him to buzz me out.
It’s a heavy weight as I turn up at her flat. She doesn’t even know I’m stopping by, but I didn’t want to hold off giving it back to her. Quite frankly, my nerves couldn’t take it. I don’t even feel this wound up before a fight. I have to wipe my brow before I buzz and wait for an answer.
RACHEL
Finally, I sit down. My feet are killing me.What a bloody day. I turn my wrist out of habit to check the time, then berate myself before checking my phone. Maybe I’ll have an early night. It might only be eight o’clock, but I’ve been up since six and haven’t stopped all day.
