Journey to the Centre of Myself by Andie M. Long Read Free Book Online Page B

you ought to try, Amber, before it’s too late.’
    We’re quiet while Sam feeds Alfie the rest of his toast and I feel sorry for myself.
    ‘What time do you have to be at work?’ she asks.
    ‘Nine.’
    ‘Gosh, I’d better let you get ready. It’s eight now.’
    ‘Don’t worry about it, I’m a temp. I’ll go in later, they’ll not mind. I’ll turn my phone on and email Jo that I’ll be late and to cover for me.’
    ‘Well, I’ll not be much longer now.’
    ‘It’s fine.’
    Sam sucks on her bottom lip for a moment. ‘Can I ask you something? It’s personal.’
    ‘Fire away. I’m an open book, ask me anything you like.’
    ‘What exactly is the story with you and Olly? He said you had a huge crush on him and dated a few times.’
    I smile. ‘I don’t remember it like that. Did you ever used to go clubbing when you were younger?’
    She nods.
    ‘Well, I used to go with my mates. Drinks were cheap, and we used to get hammered and I always seemed to end up with Olly, snogging in a corner. We never went on a date. I always told myself I wouldn’t do it again, he wasn’t serious about me, but the next time I went out, there we’d be again. In the end, my friends found a different nightclub to go to, and we moved on. It was a shock a few years later when my new boyfriend introduced me to his best mate.’
    ‘I can imagine.’
    ‘Well, of course, Olly was all “oh my God, it’s Amber”. Will’s never been able to get over the fact I had a “relationship” with his mate though I don’t see how you can term it like that. I know it still winds him up. He’s convinced I’ll get pissed and snog him again. As if friends would do that to each other.’
    She sucks on her lip again. She’ll be causing a blister. ‘Well, surely after last night, Will and Olly will be clear on the slim chance of that occurring.’
    I blush. ‘God, I must apologise to Olly. That was so rude.’
    ‘No.’ Sam sits up straighter. ‘Please don’t. It might do him some good. He thinks he’s God’s gift to women.’
    ‘Are you two all right?’ I ask.
    She hesitates, and then nods. ‘Yes, fine. He’s always been rather too cocky though and if last night brought him down a peg or two that’s a good thing.’
    ‘And will it?’
    ‘Doubt it. Though I’ve seen him checking his receding hairline in the mirror this morning.’
    We laugh again.
    ‘Right,’ she says, ‘I’d better gather my things together and let you get to work.’
    ‘I’ll ring you a taxi.’
     
    I sit perched on the sofa arm. My eyes follow Will as he picks up his cufflinks from the window ledge.
    ‘You’re quiet, Amber.’ He turns and his mouth is set like a taut wire. ‘It’s not like you at all.’
    ‘I was drunk and enjoying myself, that’s all.’
    ‘You insulted my best friend and embarrassed yourself in front of Olly and Sam. I didn’t know what to do.’
    ‘You didn’t need to do anything. I’m a big girl.’
    ‘That’s just it, Amber, you aren’t. Can’t you get it into your head you’re not a girl anymore? You’re supposed to be a grown woman. For God’s sake, you’re almost thirty.’
    ‘And don’t I know it. You’ve about got me in slippers, with knitting needles in my hands.’
    ‘Don’t be so ridiculous,’ he spits. ‘Why does everything have to be so dramatic with you? I’m asking you to not get drunk out of your brains when we’re entertaining guests and then insult them.’
    ‘Sam thought it was funny.’
    ‘Sam has her own agenda with Olly at the moment.’
    ‘Trust you to take his side.’
    ‘I’m not taking any side, but last night did not help them, and I doubt they’ll be around to repeat the experience in a hurry.’
    ‘Gosh, what a shame.’
    ‘You may not be bothered, but Olly’s my mate.’ He goes quiet and looks out of the window.
    ‘Oh, Will, don’t be like this. I got a bit carried away that’s all. You used to join in.’
    ‘Yeah well, I’ve changed, Amber.’
    ‘But