Chapter Two
Nisha grinsat me from the kitchen stool she’s perched on in her and Calum’s apartment. It’s taken a while, but with the love and support of us all, including Calum, she is almost back to her old self. The bruises may have faded a while ago, but she is still traumatised by her experience. Smithy is still on the run, but Calum is working day and night with the police and the security team to track the bastard down. The thought that he’s still out there kills all of us. It had been a mistake to underestimate him, and Nisha paid the price. But there is a silver lining; it brought her and Calum together. It’s the happiest I’ve ever seenher.
“You’re going to Thailand? I’m so jealous. You’re one lucky cow,” she says, chopping up the red bellpepper.
“I know, right? I mean, it’s crazy to think this time next week I’m going to be lying on a pristine white beach with turquoise water lapping at myfeet.”
“Alright, alright. Don’t rub itin!”
“Hey, sweetheart, what are you two talking about?” Calum says as he enters the apartment. Nisha moved in with him a couple of weeks ago after he decided that they were practically living with each other anyway. We had let go of my mum’s flat, and Nisha had stayed with us in the main house up until moving in with Calum in his apartment above the garage. It sounds pokey, but in actual fact the apartment is huge, with high ceilings, two bedrooms and all the mod cons. Nisha has settled in very well and their relationship has really blossomed. I am so happy for her, for themboth.
“Oh, hey, Cal,” Nisha says, placing the knife on the table and pulling him in for a kiss. “Lou was just telling me about her trip to Thailand. I must admit I’m ridiculously jealous. I’ve never stepped out of London, let alone on a plane abroad somewhere soexotic.”
“Well, it’s just as well we’re going too,” Calum says, delight lighting his face at Nisha’s and my shockedexpressions.
“What do you mean, we’re going too? You’re joking?” Nisha says,gobsmacked.
“Sweetheart, why would I joke about that? Max has just confirmed it. The brothers need me with them and they figured it would make a great holiday for you bothtoo.”
“Oh, my gaaaahhhh!” Nisha jumps up and throws her arms around Calum, who laughs at her enthusiasm. She presses kisses over his face, then breaks free from his arms and hugs metoo.
“Bloody hell, Nish, you’re suffocating me.” I laugh, almost swallowing a mouthful of herhair.
“What’s all the excitement about?” Max asks as he steps into the room. He is holding a bottle of white wine and a pack ofbeers.
“You, Mr Freed, are just about my favourite person right now,” Nisha says, giving him a hugtoo.
Max laughs. “I take it Calum told you the goodnews?”
“He sure did,” she replies, taking the bottle of wine from him. “This is going to be so muchfun!”
“Not all fun for me and the boys, but for you and Louisa this is our way of thanking you for everything…” Max’s voice trails off as he catches Calum’seye.
“Thanking us?” Nisha asks, looking bemused. “Shouldn’t it be us who’s thankingyou?”
“Nope, it shouldn’t. We were a lonely bunch before you came into our lives. Why can’t we spoil the women we love with a holiday?” Max says with a gentle shrug, before wrapping his arm about myshoulder.
“Women we love?” Nisha says quietly, looking from Max toCalum.
“Oops, did I let the cat out of thebag?”
“I…” Calum starts, the words trailingoff.
I see the way Calum and Nisha are looking at each other. Looks like dinner is off the cards for tonight. “Come on, Max. I think they need a moment. We can order in a takeaway,” I say, hooking my arm throughhis.
“What? But whatever Nisha is cooking up smells delicious and I’m bloody starving…” Max says, frowning atme.
“Max,” I say, tugging on his arm. “You can’t drop something like that and not expectfireworks.”
Max follows my gaze and sniggers. “I suppose not.” Nisha and Calum are kissing passionately and the temperature in the room has just gone up about twentydegrees.
“Come on, let’s leave them toit.”
“We’ll just head on out, guys. Catch you later…” Max says in a sing song voice. They don’t respond, completely oblivious to either ofus.
“So,what’s it to be? Chinese, Thai, or curry?” I say, now we’re back inside the house. I flick through the takeout leaflets lying on the kitchen island. Max sidles up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. He presses his body firmly against mine and rests his chin on myshoulder.
“You choose. I’m feeling a littledistracted.”