“Abby,” Oakley said, pulling away from me. Jasper and Abby were sitting at our table. Grabbing Abby’s hand, Oakley pulled me along. When did they become such good friends, or was it because Oakley was drunk?
Abby looked up and opened her arms to hug Oakley. They immediately began talking, catching up on what each other had been doing. I bet she wouldn’t remember anything Abby said in the morning!
Jasper smiled but not his usual unnerving smile. He looked happy. I knew he and Abby were on good terms before he left but was there more going on now? Whatever was going on, I hoped Jasper wouldn’t end up hurt again. As fucking weird as he was, he deserved a decent girl.
“How drunk is she?” Jasper asked, nodding towards his sister.
I chuckled. “Yeah, pretty drunk. Don’t worry though, I’m looking after her.”
“You’d better because she’s already been through too much.”
“I know that, Jasper. Anyway what’s happening with you and Abby? You getting back together?”
He sighed like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. “I dunno. I want to, but I’m going home with Oakley when all this is over. There’s no point in starting anything.”
It was like taking a bullet. They couldn’t go back.
“Have you spoken to Oakley? I’m sure she would want you to be happy.”
“I don’t need to talk to her. My sister comes before any girl. She always will. Don’t you say anything either. I don’t want her feeling guilty for me and Abby not being together.”
I nodded in agreement, but I couldn’t help feeling bad for him. I knew that Oakley would make him stay here and be happy if she knew he wanted to be with Abby, but I also got that he was putting her first. If I had my way they would all stay in England, but this was never about me.
As Jasper’s eyes flickered to Abby for the twentieth time during our conversation. I couldn’t help wondering how he managed to forgive her. Was it because the situation now put everything else into perspective?
“I need to go home,” Oakley mumbled and slumped down beside me. “I don’t feel good, and I don’t like drinking.”
I wrapped my arm around her waist. “I think that’s a good idea.” Standing up, I practically dragged her to her feet.
“I should go too,” Jasper said, looking at Abby.
“No,” Oakley slurred. “You stay. I’m fine with Cole.”
Jasper looked at me for confirmation, so I nodded. Of course she was fine with me. “I’ll get a taxi. You all stay.” Oakley looked up at me and frowned. I knew exactly what that frown was for. She didn’t want me to miss out.
“I’d rather go with you,” I whispered in her ear. “Night everyone,” I called over my shoulder and lead Oakley towards the exit.
“Bye,” she shouted, waving her hand enthusiastically. Yeah she was definitely going to suffer tomorrow.
The second I got her in the taxi, she leant against my shoulder and closed her eyes. A sleepy drunk then!
“Can you give me a minute?” I asked the driver as we pulled up outside her house. I saw him nod in the mirror, not even bothering to reply. I walked to Oakley’s side of the car and reached in, putting my arms around her. Getting her out of the car was awkward but she didn’t weigh much, so carrying her wasn’t hard.
“What are you doing?” she asked, slapping her hand over her mouth as she yawned.
“Carrying you inside.”
“Bye, Mr taxi man,” she called out, blowing a kiss over her shoulder. No wonder the guy was a miserable bastard. He probably dealt with drunk people all the time. Oakley shoved the key towards the lock. “Huh. It’s broke.”
I tried to keep a straight face. “Oakley, let me do it.”
“No. I can,” she replied. Sighing, I leant against the wall, silently hoping the taxi driver would still wait. “It’s broken!” she insisted.
“Okay, give me the damn key.” I held my hand out and she dangled it in front of my face, smirking. As I thought, the second I went to grab it she pulled her hand away. “Oakley,” I said warningly, trying not to smile again.
“Yes, Cole?” Wrapping one arm around her waist, I pulled her closer. Her eyes widened in shock as she hadn’t expected it. I used her surprise to my advantage and grabbed it out of her hand. I unlocked the door, and she gasped. “You fixed it!”
I chuckled, shaking my head. She looked genuinely impressed. “Yes, I fixed it.”
Grabbing my shirt in her fist, she pulled me closer. “I have something else you could fix for me,” she whispered. I gulped and rested my hands on her hips, half holding her up. She suddenly frowned and looked up at me, worried. “I don’t feel good.”
“Let’s get you to bed then.” Please don’t puke!
I helped her up the stairs and gave her the pyjamas laying on the futon. She stripped down in front of me. Her chest and toned stomach was staring me in the face. My mouth went dry, but I snapped myself out of it, and made sure she got into her bed and had a glass of water ready for when she woke with a raging hangover.
Her eyes slowly closed and her breathing evened. She looked like an angel, and I was completely in love with her.