Page 37 of Crashing Into You

“Kissing? Has there been more of that?”

“Yeah.” My face heats up and I grin. Both girls squeal. People are looking at us.

“And…?”

“And what? We’ve been swimming; he took me to a thing in Torquay yesterday, and we’re having dinner tonight.”

“Oh, we saw the thing in Torquay.” Joss grins. “Genuinely, though I am jealous with every bone in my body because he is a fucking sex god, I could not be happier for you, Claire-bear.”

“Agreed,” Sal says. “We love you, and we’re thrilled you’re finally with a real man.”

“Uh, he’s definitely that,” I say, blushing even more as I finish my toastie. I need to get back to the shop soon. “I hope things work out.”

“Ihope you get to go for a ride on Bryce’s massive… surfboard,” Sal shrieks, giggling. Then she covers her mouth, glancing sideways. “Shit. I gotta go. I have a meeting I forgot about.”

She hangs up, leaving Joss and me both laughing.

“What is she like?” Joss shakes her head. “Seriously though, Claire. I hope you do shag him, and put Simon out of your head for good.”

“He’s not in my head.” It’s not a total lie. “Not when I’m with Bryce, anyway.”

“I still can’t believe you’re dating a world-famous surfer. Fuck me, Claire. You’d better set me up with one of his friends, is all I can say.”

“I’ll see what I can do,” I say. “I do have to get back though. What do I owe you for lunch?”

“It’s on me, mate.”

We both get up, grabbing our coffees. We head outside, and Joss wraps me in a one-armed hug. “So happy for you. And I’ll kill him if he messes you around.” She kisses me on the cheek then heads off, waving, in the direction of the pharmacy.

I watch her go, warmth in my chest. I’m so lucky to have my friends. Finding myself essentially alone in the world was a shock to say the least. Mum and Dad and I were a complete family unit, happiest when spending time with each other. When I was a child, they were my entire world. Even once I moved out for university, I still came home on weekends to see them.

Losing them almost destroyed me. There’s a saying that grief never gets any smaller; rather, life around it gets larger. And that’s how I’ve found it to be. I still miss them as much as I ever did. I wish they were here so they could meet Bryce. I’m sure they’d like him. But I have a life now, and it’s a pretty good one, thanks to them. So, I treasure my memories of the time I had with them, because I know what a gift it was.

It’s in a reflective frame of mind that I head back to the shop, unlocking the door and stepping inside. Something crackles beneath my feet and I look down to see an envelope which has been pushed under the door while I was out. I frown, picking it up and carrying it over to the counter with my coffee.

My name is on the front of the envelope. I almost throw it in the bin straight away, but then I decide to open it. Maybe it’s not from Simon.

But as the card slides out, so do a bunch of dead rose petals and a crushed spider. I squeal, throwing the whole thing away from me. I donotlike spiders.

The card has fallen open.

I can crush you just as easily

The words are scrawled, ragged against the white paper. Anger boils up in me. How dare he? Who the fuck does he think he is?

Fighting back tears, I sweep the whole lot into the bin. I’m shaking all over. Did he come here to deliver it himself? Thank god I was at lunch. Or maybe he sent one of his friends– he knows plenty of people in the area– and maybe they waited until I went out. Maybe they’re watching me right now. I thrust my middle finger up, just in case. Then I realise how mad that looks.

But I’m furious. This is crossing a line. I go and retrieve the card from the bin, careful the spider is no longer in it. On the front is a skull, white against a black background. What an absolute arsehole. I tuck the card in my bag. Evidence, just in case. I wish Bryce was here.

This afternoon cannot pass quickly enough.

ChapterSeventeen

Bryce

I’m at Anna’s by 6pm. I get there a bit early, to be honest. Kylie and Matt were giving me shit before I left, but I can tell they’re happy for me. I wander down the street, not wanting Claire to see me hanging around.

Finally, it’s time, and I head back to see her on the front step, locking the door. She looks stunning, as usual, in a short black dress with billowy sleeves, a deep V of tanned skin at the front, her legs bare. I want to kiss her, immediately.