“We do. The opposite a part of our social gathering is already right here.” I level to my brother and he is waving over at us.

“Observe me.” The host exhibits us over to our desk and palms us menus. “Can I get you a drink first?”

“I’ll have a cola, please. Driver right here.” I shrug.

“Make that two, please,” says Harper.

The second the host leaves us, Derren stands up and walks over to Harper. He bends down and takes her into his arms.

“It’s so good to see you, Harp. You look good.”

Harper wipes tears from her eyes and I hand her a serviette.

“It’s good to see you too, each of you.”

“Now look what you probably did, you massive pillock. I stated take it slowly,” Alice scolds my brother. “Hello, honey.” Alice reaches over the desk and squeezes Harper’s hand. She’s extra delicate than my brother.

“Hello. And I wouldn’t count on the rest from Derren. He’s at all times OTT,” says Harper, shrugging.

Everyone knows what my brother is like, and if he was quiet and never fussing, then Harper would most likely really feel extra misplaced.

“I hope you’re all hungry as a result of I haven’t had Chinese language meals in endlessly,” says Derren dramatically.

“Actually? We had takeout final weekend,” says Alice, and all of us chuckle.

“Sshh. That’s my excuse once I don’t wish to appear like a pig.”

And that’s how our evening goes, laughing and joking with my daft brother. You wouldn’t suppose we have been twins as a result of Derren is the joker and I’m extra level-headed, however proper now, I’m grateful for him appearing regular round Harper and exhibiting her that nobody holds something in opposition to her. We simply need her again with us.

Chapter 17

Harper

Final evening with Derren and Alice was nice. They’re superb individuals. The corporate was simply what I wanted. The meals was fabulous. However none of that’s what has received me vibrating with vitality, it is the kiss I shared with Drew. It was tender and delicate, nevertheless it hit me proper within the coronary heart and soul. It jogged my memory of all of the instances we shared curled up watching motion pictures and sharing one another’s take out. Though, it was solely Drew doing the sharing as a result of I needed to have a little bit of every little thing, together with what Drew had. These have been the times after we have been carefree. We had a home, a wholesome financial institution steadiness, steady jobs, mates, and household. There wasn’t something we wanted to fret about. Now, I’ve received plenty of bridges to fix. I decide up my cell phone and open my texts.

Me: Would you want a espresso?

I thought-about writing a protracted speech telling my greatest good friend how sorry I’m, however Pete deserves that grovelling and apology in individual.

Pete: Do I desire a espresso? Are you freaking kidding me? When and the place?

I smile at my good friend’s response. He has completed precisely what Derren did final evening and simply acted like nothing had modified. That’s what I want. Normalcy.

Me: Meet me in Culross. I fancy a stroll. We will seize a espresso at one of many espresso retailers.

I hadn’t been to Culross for a very long time. It’s a good looking, picturesque village that runs alongside The Forth. It’s at all times filled with vacationers, bikers, canine walkers, and households having fun with time with their youngsters.

I absorb a deep breath and throw my hair up in a messy bun. That is the primary time I’m going to drive since my ordeal. It’s the primary time I’m going out alone. Am I scared? Nope, I’m bloody terrified, however to maintain pushing ahead, I must step out of my consolation zone. I want to do that.

Pete: Meet you within the automobile park in an hour, stunning.

I seize my purse and purse, placed on some lip gloss, and discover my mum and pa sitting on the eating desk consuming some soup.

“I assumed you is likely to be resting. Sit down and I’ll warmth some soup for you. It’s selfmade scotch broth. Your favorite.”

“No want, Mum. I’m simply going to go out and have a espresso with Pete. If I don’t have some lunch out, I’ll warmth some soup once I come house.”

“Is Pete choosing you up?” asks my mum.

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