selfishly asking a lot of you right now. It’s my fault the town is against you. I’m the one that took it too far and reported him. I should stand up and take responsibility for it.’
For some reason I have an overpowering urge to protect him. God knows he’s got such a sensitive heart underneath all that bravado. In a way he’s still the little boy that lost his mum.
‘It’s honestly fine. I’m happy to just take it.’
He shakes his head. ‘It’s not fair.’
I take his giant hand in both of mine. ‘Just let me do this for you, okay?’
I see him wrestle with it internally, those eyes clouded with a million emotions.
Despite everything, I trust him. I never thought I’d be able to trust anyone after Garry and here I am trusting him, despite a million red flags.
‘Thanks for trusting me with your secret.’
He smiles, his eyes honest. ‘I trust you, Phoebe.’
My heart dances in delight. ‘I trust you too.’ I don’t even have to think about it, I just do.
And that’s why I’m in serious trouble.
‘What’s going on in here, then?’ Ella asks, appearing from nowhere, looking accusingly at us.
We spring apart. Way to ruin a moment, Ella.
Clooney clears his throat. ‘We were just saying that we should go to the town meeting. Explain that my dad has been going after you for a long time and that if you’re forced to sell it will just be another space for these develops to snatch up.’
That’s actually a good idea. He’s good at thinking on his feet. I can’t help but be worried he’s such a convincing liar.
She nods along. ‘Good idea. I was also thinking that we should have a Halloween party.’
I scoff. ‘Ella, everyone is avoiding the pub right now. I think we should skip the party and keep our head down.’
She huffs like someone half her age.
‘No, Phoebe.’ She stands her ground, a steely determination on her face. ‘I’ve taken a lot of shit lately. All I’m asking for is a Halloween party.’ She pouts, giving me the full effect of her brown puppy eyes.
I sigh, quickly relenting. ‘Fine.’
She grins, jumps up and down like an excitable puppy and then swiftly leaves, no doubt to order herself an outfit.
‘Nice to know where her priorities are,’ Clooney says.
We lock eyes and both barrel over laughing.
Chapter Forty
Tuesday 27th October
It’s been so nice to get back to normal with Clooney. Honestly it hurts my soul so bad when there’s friction between us. He makes me happy—is that so bad? Now his tattoo with the cards on fire makes all the more sense. His gambling habit got him burnt.
Around six p.m. Clooney seems to disappear. I keep asking Ella if she’s seen him but she’s, as usual, oblivious. Then I remember his support group is Tuesday nights. I’m glad to see he’s still going, committed to getting better.
She answers her phone at just past seven thirty, looks at me, laughs and then hangs up.
‘Clooney has said for you to meet him at the end of the pier.’
I frown back at her. ‘Are you serious?’ Nervous bubbles of excitement dance around my stomach.
She laughs. ‘Apparently so.’
I grab my coat and walk towards the pier. The sun is setting, creating a gorgeous amber glow over everything. When I spot him my heart melts into a puddle on the floor.
He’s stood up, waiting for me, at the end of the pier next to a picnic blanket spread out with a basket hamper. The sun bounces off the river, lighting him up like a magical fairy tale character.
‘What’s all this?’ I ask when I reach him.
He puts his hands in his pockets, rocking on his feet. ’It’s a picnic, duh.’ He has that boyish charm, his sweet and slightly shy smile gracing those beautiful lips.
‘I got that,’ I retort. ‘I mean, what’s the occasion?’
Then I notice the double sleeping bag behind him. Oh, so he’s looking for a bunk up.
‘I thought you needed a proper apology and a little treat.’
I point to the sleeping bag. ‘And then what do you think is going to happen?’
He rolls his eyes, his cheeks actually reddening. ‘I thought we could sleep under the stars.’
‘Hmm, what part of me doesn’t believe it’s so innocent?’ I rub my chin dramatically.
He holds out his hand for me to take. ‘Do you want the food or not?’
I take it and let him lead me to the red and white checked picnic blanket.
‘When have I ever refused food?’
‘Exactly.’ He grins and reaches into