Page 21 of Cruel Embers
“You okay, Tink?”
She wipes under her nose. “Yeah, just that song really hits home, you know.”
I nod. She’s clearly thinking of her brother. I can’t imagine the pain of losing one of my sisters.
“Well, if you need a hug, I got you. These arms aren’t all for show.”
At least that raises a smile from her. “Good to know,” she says, moving to collect the bowls. I grab her glass and follow her into her kitchen, placing it on the counter.
“I’m going to make a move. You’ll have to let me know what else we need to do for the baby shower. Sophie booked us in, so cupcakes and cake are all sorted.”
“Thank you. Well, we have a date and venue. It might be an idea to get a guest list together and send out invites. I was thinking electronic, but I think maybe her mum would prefer a physical invitation. What do you think?”
“I think you’re right. Let’s ask who they want to invite and let them choose electronic or physical, and then we’ll design them.”
I go back into the living room and pull on my hoody.
“Is that all you wore?” she asks, wrapping her arms around her middle.Eyes above her chest, dickwad.
“I have a coat in the car. But I was only running up here.”
“Okay.”
I tap the end of her nose with my index finger. “But thank you for the concern, Tinker Bell.”
Vi clears her throat, and I can’t help but admire the flush that creeps up her throat and over her cheeks. Nope, so not going there.
“I’ll walk you out,” she says.
I almost want to laugh, the front door is within throwing distance, but I don’t say anything.
Slipping my feet into my trainers, I open the front door and step out into the hall. At least it's well-lit out here.
“See you later, gator.”
She shakes her head, and I lean down and peck her cheek before taking a step back and turning on my heels.
“Nathan,” she calls out quietly, and I’m aware she probably doesn’t want to disturb her neighbours.
I glance over my shoulder.
“Thank you for tonight. It was unexpected but appreciated.”
Smiling, I shrug. “Anytime, Tink, go back inside and lock up.”
Without another word, she does as I say, which surprises me. I half expected her to roll her eyes and give me the middle finger. But I realise there’s a lot more to her than she lets on; she hides a softer side.
Once in my car, I turn on the ignition, turn up the heating, rub my hands together, and then pull out my phone and switch it on.
I switched it off when I got to Violet’s. I just wanted a few hours.
Leaning my head on the headrest and closing my eyes, I expect notifications to start coming through, but there’s only one from the phone company offering me roaming bundles for a Christmas getaway.
Me: Thanks for letting me hang with you. Oh, and by the way, I left my Prime and Netflix logged in. Feel free to watch them at your disposal.
As much as I hate to admit it, she’s easy to be around, not that I’ll say as much. Where’s the fun in that?
Tinker Bell: You came bearing gifts. It was no hardship on my part.
