Page 101 of Time To Learn

“What do youmean?”

“Shag the fuck out ofhim!”

The excited squeal in my ear makes me cringe in fright.

“Are you out of your freaking mind?” I shout. “I’m in my car right now, almost home, but I’m pretty sure your girly screech could be heard all the way to Glasgow.”

“Well, excuse me for being excited for you, Laura.”

“Please be serious for once, Trish?”

She huffs and remains quiet for a couple of seconds before she starts to talk again.

“Okay, here’s what you’re going to do. Are you listening to me, Laura?”

“Hang on,” I mutter and slow down the car until I’ve stopped completely and put the handbrake on. “Yes, I’m listening.”

“Good. You’re going to stop thinking for once, and you’re going to enjoy yourself as much as you can, as often as possible, and you’re going to show that delicious piece of man meat what a fantastic woman youare.”

“But –” I start.

“And then you’re going to tell him about James, and all those secrets you hold so close to your heart, Laura.”

My heart jumps in my chest.

“I don’t think I can,” I whisper.

“Oh, but yes, you bloody well can.” Her voice has turned so serious that I hardly recognise her. “Because if he can’t take that—if he can’t take all the ugly parts of your past, and shoulder that burden for you—then he’s not the right guy for you. And then you’llknow.”

“Knowwhat?”

“That at least you’re strong enough to take a chance again—and, sweetie, that’s the greatest gift you can give yourself.” She stops talking, but then chuckles, taking me by surprise. “Plus, you’ll know that your woman parts still function—always aplus.”

“Trish!” I roll my eyes at her. “Honestly, you’re anut.”

“I know,” she trills in my ear, making my lips twitch.

“So?” she asksme.

“So, what?”

“Oh, God, woman!” she huffs. “Are you going to do as Isay?”

“Maybe,” I mutter and release the handbrake before I put the car into first gear and ease up on the clutch. “Well, I’ll think aboutit.”

“No, no, no! Stop right there. No thinking—just shagging, remember?”

I snort and shake my head at her crudeness.

“Right, right,” I mutter as I pull up the car in front of my home. A car I don’t recognise is parked next to the stable, and I frown as I turn off the ignition and stepout.

“Are you still there?” Trish raises her voice a little, and I blink.

“I have to go,” I murmur to her as I watch Mum open the front door, an overnight bag in herhand.

“Okay, but please ring me tomorrow? I need more details, and I actually have something I need to talk with you about aswell.”

That piques my curiosity.