Page 72 of The Best Friend
I inhale and bite my lower lip. ‘That sounds an awful lot.’
‘It’s actually not that much, not for the type of gear we need,’ he says. ‘I’ve researched the cheapest options.’
I lean against the back of the bench and exhale, linking my hands behind my head. I don’t have any spare money at all, let alone eight thousand pounds. ‘Is there any way we could do it for less than that?’ I ask. ‘My credit card only has a four grand limit, and I’m already up to two. If I spend the rest, I’ll have absolutely nothing left.’ An arctic breeze sweeps through the almost-leafless trees; their branches creak and groan.
‘If we want to do this properly, we need the right gear,’ he insists.
‘What if I told Jared, my husband? He’d be able to help us. He’s got a couple of credit cards we could use.’ I drop my hands back into my lap.
‘No.’ Max says. ‘It’s too risky to involve anyone else. And anyway, I thought you two weren’t getting on. You’re staying at your sister’s aren’t you?’
I nod, uncomfortable that this man knows where I’m staying and what I’m doing. I know he says he’s on my side, but still… ‘You can stop following me now, you know.’
‘Just looking out for you,’ he replies.
‘Well, it’s not necessary. It’s… creepy.’
He bows his head and pulls at his fingers.
‘I don’t meanyou’reunnerving, I mean the situation is—’
‘I know what you mean and it’s fine,’ he says. ‘But that’s beside the point. The fact remains that Darcy has already driven a wedge between you and Jared.’
His deduction gets my hackles up despite the fact he’s absolutely right. ‘It’s only temporary.’ I snap. ‘Couples argue, you know.’
‘Are you sure it’s temporary? Darcy’s a beautiful woman – if she’s set her sights on him, it’ll take a strong man to resist.’
‘Stronger than you, you mean.’ I instantly regret my sharp words. ‘Sorry, that was uncalled for.’
He gives a rueful smile. ‘No, you’re absolutely right. I already admitted I was weak enough to fall for her.’
‘I really don’t think Jared will betray me like that.’
‘I hope you’re right.’
So do I.Max’s words send shivers down my back. If Darcy wants Jared, will he really be able to say no? Will he stay true to me now he thinks I’m losing my mind? Will he turn her away if she flashes her eyes at him and flicks her silky hair? A wave of nausea sweeps over me, but I manage to fight it off, taking in a lungful of the frigid morning air.
‘Okay, I’ll extend my credit limit,’ I say, exhaling. ‘Or, I’ll get another credit card. I’ll figure something out. We need to trip her up. We need to stop her before she completely ruins my life.’
‘Only if you’re sure,’ Max says.
‘I’m not sure about anything,’ I say. ‘But I don’t think I’ve got a choice.’
‘Okay, well the sooner you get me the cash, the sooner I can get going with this.’
‘Can you get me a list of all the equipment you need? Is it available online? I’d like to see what my money is buying.’
‘Sure,’ he says. ‘Give me your email address and I’ll send you a link to the store. You can buy the stuff yourself, if you prefer?’
I breathe a sigh of relief at his suggestion. If he’s willing to let me buy the equipment… well, it gives me a greater sense of security that he’s not after the money.
‘Just make sure you getnext-day delivery,’ he says. ‘Otherwise, we could be waiting around for days.’
‘Do you think it will work?’ I say. ‘Can we really catch her out like this?’
‘Truthfully? I don’t know. She’s a smart woman. Let’s just say this will give us our best shot.’
I nod and chew my lip.
