The Reality of Us by Emma Mugglestone

Author:Emma Mugglestone
Language: eng
Format: epub

19

“Owen?”

He jerked his head away from the table in the corner where Alice was sitting with Eloise and a few others, including a guy he’d bet was her brother based on the family resemblance. She was ignoring him like she’d been doing for the past two weeks. The guys from footy were at the table next to Alice’s, which was why he was sitting with his family.

“What years did Michael Jordan and the Bulls win the championship? I can never remember when the second run started.”

Wilbur was watching him over the top of his glasses, a knowing look on his face. Busted. Once a detective, always a detective.

Owen picked up his beer. “’96 to ’98.”

Wilbur filled in the answer and asked, “Have you managed to convince Raff about the race?”

“He’s too busy with work.” Owen wasn’t going to push it, especially not when Raff had warned him about Phoenix. If he’d had managed to get to Alice … His fingers gripped his pint glass tightly. He flicked a glance at the corner table, swallowing when his gaze met Alice’s. She twisted to look at the specials board, tucking her hair behind her ear. Her skin was flushed … Is she embarrassed about what happened?

Christ. Here he was, reliving every tantalising second of their time together multiple times a day. He’d even locked his office door and taken matters into his own hands, literally, this morning before the office was open when he’d remembered the way she’d laid out across the bench, offering herself to him. There was no way he would have been able to focus if he hadn’t.

But ever since that night, she’d pretended he didn’t exist.

He didn’t know what to do and hated not knowing what to do.

He’d left her another message that morning outlining the implications Phoenix’s drug charges would have on her divorce. He sagged back in his chair and sipped his beer. The hoppy flavour was soapy, unpleasant.

Owen’s gaze drifted back to her table. Alice’s head was bowed towards Eloise, a glass of rosé in one hand, her profile covered by her newly short hair.

He’d stopped by the apartment twice in the last fortnight, waiting until he knew Teddy was out, but she hadn’t answered the door. He’d heard Murphy inside the second time and what he thought were footsteps, but still nothing.

Nate dropped into the empty seat next to Owen. “Sorry I’m late. My meeting ran over.”

Lulu pushed a plate of garlic bread towards him and signalled to Teddy behind the bar to order Nate’s meal.

“Where have you been all week? Haven’t seen you at footy training.” Nate tore a piece of bread in half, scooping out the soft, buttery middle.

Owen didn’t blink. No way was he admitting he’d been running the trails hoping to bump into Alice.

“Is your knee giving you trouble? I thought it was all better now?” It was no surprise his mother’s mind immediately went to his old injury.

“It’s fine. Raff’s not the only one snowed under at work.” He drummed his fingers against the table.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.