Page 134 of Carry Me Home

The pub erupts in laughter and Kit goes red, while Isla pats his arm with exaggerated sympathy.

‘I’m getting another drink,’ he mutters. ‘Possibly several drinks.’

I’m at the edge of the crowd, holding a glass of wine I haven’t touched, watching Tom across the room. He’s talking to his mum – Ivy’s got his arm, talking intently, and I can guess what she’s saying because Ivy Darcy has never been subtle about anything in her life.

Every few minutes, he glances my way. Every time, I look away too quickly.

This is ridiculous. We’re adults. We’ve known each other for over a decade. We should be able to⁠—

‘You’re staring.’ Brynn materialises beside me.

‘I’m not staring.’

‘You’ve been staring at him for twenty minutes. It’s actually impressive. I didn’t know you could focus on anything for that long.’

‘I’m not – I was just⁠—’

‘Staring. I know.’ She sips her drink. ‘Have you talked to him? Actually talked?’

‘We talked at the church.’

‘About the christening. That doesn’t count.’

‘We talked about his dad’s tie.’

‘That definitely doesn’t count.’

I take a long drink of wine. It doesn’t help.

‘I don’t know what to say,’ I admit. ‘I don’t know how to be around him anymore. Not since Jude⁠—’

‘I know.’ Brynn sighs. ‘Look. I know this is complicated. I know you’re scared. But Nina – he’s leaving again. Tomorrow. Back to Scotland. If you don’t say anything now⁠—’

‘Say what? What am I supposed to say?’

‘The truth. Whatever that is.’ She nods towards the back door. ‘There’s a perfectly good harbour out there.’

‘Brynn—’

‘Go.’ She takes my wine glass out of my hand. ‘Or don’t. But if you let him drive back to Scotland without telling him⁠—’

‘Without telling him what? I don’t even know what I⁠—’

‘Yes, you do.’ Her voice is quiet now. Certain. ‘You’ve known since Jude said it. Maybe before. So stop circling and go.’

I look at her. My best friend, who’s been watching this disaster unfold with more patience than I deserve.

‘I hate you,’ I say.

‘I know. Go.’

‘Can we talk?’

He looks up from his conversation with Ivy. Hope and caution in equal measure – the face of a man who’s learned not to trust good news.

‘Now?’

‘If you’re not busy.’