Page 68 of Scandal Queen

“Coming back then, are you?”

I smiled, a calmness washing through me as I turned for the cupboard holding the bedding and sheets. “Might do.” But I knew I would, because this place, and Bright Futures felt like home, and it was hard not to go back to the places you loved no matter how much you needed to move in the opposite direction.

“Just popping in.”

“For fuck’s sake, Leia!” Molly slumped her head on the table and I coughed to clear my throat. She turned her head and then caught sight of Isabella.

“Oh. I’m so sorry.” Molly sat up straighter and Isabella gave her a small wave.

“Nice to see you again.”

“Uh, you too.” Molly flushed and smoothed her hair. “Did you bring a gaggle of press with you again, Leia?

I cringed. “They followed the car. I didn’t intentionally bring them along.”

Molly smirked.

Paula and Ian stared at Isabella and I rolled my eyes at them both. Ian’s skin blotched which I could kind of understand considering the fact Isabella Beaufort was hands down the most attractive woman who’d ever stepped into the building. “Ian and Paula, two of my work friends.” I pointed at Sonya our counsellor and introduced her too.

Janine’s door hung open and I could see her bent over a piece of paper. “What’s going on?” I asked Sonya.

“Tricky case. Janine’s cut up.”

“Oh.”

“Anyway,” Molly got up from her chair and came closer, pulling me into a hug. “Miss you, bitch face.”

“Molly!” I cringed in the direction of Oliver’s sister.

“We were just discussing the Christmas Party. It won’t be the same without you.”

“What you mean when I’m not asleep in the corner by nine?” I laughed, but it turned into a scowl as I registered what she’d said. “What do you mean without me?”

“Well, we figured you probably wouldn’t be able to come.”

My mouth dropped. “I’m actually hurt right now.”

“Well of course you are welcome, but won’t you be heading off to Wales to the royal Christmas thing?”

I flushed. “Uh, no. I don’t think so.”

Molly clapped her hands together. “Well, yay, Christmas for us. Although…” she hesitated and it made my stomach twist. “I’ve already invited Nana over to ours. I figured you’d be busy.”

I stared at her unblinking. “You invited my nana for Christmas because you thought I’d be too busy to see her or you? We’ve always done something. Every year since I’ve known you.”

Molly pursed her lips. “But if you’re here though, that’s great. I just figured you’d been off doing royal things.” She turned to Isabella. “Sorry.”

“No that’s okay. I kind of like your plans. Our Christmas is only made bearable by enough alcohol to render us all mute.”

My eyes widened. Mine and Ollie’s first Christmas together and it sounded like were about to march into a family battle. I reached down into my handbag and grabbed out my phone, shooting off a quick message. Remind me to talk to you about Christmas later.

The dots showing he was typing straight back flickered at the bottom of the screen.

I’m worried.

I snorted and went to put my phone back, but the dots reappeared, so I waited.

Where are you and why aren’t I with you? I’m bored.