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Inhaling, she gave a tentative nod and looked so vulnerable I wanted to hug her to my chest. I knew that if I did, I’d never let go.
“Here you go.” Joey came from through a doorway of a small room that had been added. “It’s a bit compact I’m afraid. But once Simmy has gone back home, Beau has said he’ll move out of the main bedroom.”
“God, no, it’s fine,” Amber protested.
“He flipping will,” I added. “He’s a spoiled brat and isn’t getting a bloody double bed to himself.”
“What are you saying about me?” We turned around to see Beau appearing from the main bedroom that had appeared in place of the large bathroom that we’d had. Who needed extra square footage to shit and shower anyway?
“That you’ve agreed to leave the bedroom once Simmy has gone home,” Joey answered.
Beau grinned. “Well, I don’t think I’ll be leaving it while she’s here.”
“I heard that,” Simone called from the depths of the bedroom.
Beau didn’t even have the shame to look guilty. “I wasn’t expecting to see you, Amber, but I’m glad you’re here.” He gave her a hug and I wondered if she was sick of being dragged into the arms of hairy arsed men.
“Come on,” I said, “let her go. She needs to get settled.”
“What changed your mind, by the way?” Beau asked, moving to my side and nudging me. “It can’t be the thought of Ronnie’s farting and snoring.”
Amber smiled like she knew what he was talking about. And I thought I’d been careful not to fart or snore in her hearing range.
“Destiny gave me some good advice,” she replied with a hint of laughter.
“Destiny?” Joey scoffed. “Did she threaten to stab you in your sleep if you didn’t come on this bus?”
Amber shook her head. “No, she really did give me advice. It was very good, too.”
“Was it to stab Joey in his sleep?” Beau asked. “Because we all know how much she hates him.”
“He’s safe. I promise.”
Movement behind us made us all turn around to see Simone. She was smiling, as she always did these days, and went to Beau’s side, wrapping her arm around his waist and looked up at him.
“Ethan says hi and please don’t forget the chewy sweets.”
Beau rolled his eyes. “We’re going to Paris and all he wants is chewy sweets. That kid.” He then smiled and his eyes shone with so much love that it was obvious he’d give ‘that kid’ anything he wanted.
“Hey, Amber,” Simone greeted her. “You changed your mind.”
Beau leaned into her. “Destiny persuaded her.” When Simone looked at him wide-eyed, he nodded sagely and said, “I know.”
“Whatever reason, I’m glad you have. Are you okay in there?” Simone nodded to the small bedroom.
“Absolutely.” She moved closer and peeped inside. “It’s quite cosy and, to be honest, much better than being on the other bus with Jimmy.”
“Or listening to Destiny snore,” Joey grumbled.
As if by magic, a sweet voice yelled. “You fuckers better be ready because we leave in ten. And I do not snore, cockhead.”
We all burst out laughing and as the engine of the bus was brought to life, I couldn’t help but feel excited.
The gentle hum of the bus’s engine usually sent me to sleep, but I’d been tossing and turning for what felt like hours. The reason was the tiny bedroom at the other end of the bus. Amber was in there, probably sleeping like a baby, and it felt like there was a chain attached to my ankle and she was yanking on it, even if she didn’t realise it.
After thumping my pillow for the thousandth time, I decided I might do better if I had a hot drink or something.
“Fuck it,” I groaned and threw my duvet back, padding past Joey and Elliot who were both snoring away,bastards.
