Page 46 of Choose Us

Paula

She is. Are you coming back yet? Getting up pre-6 a.m. is not good for me. I looked haggard before, but my eyes now resemble two hollow caves.

The message came with a photo attachment of Paula half asleep sat at her breakfast bar with a cup of coffee and her famous red hair poking out in every direction.

Holly

You look delicious. Only seven days to go and you’ll have me back.

I spent the next ten minutes reading through some articles about my potential new case. There was always a buzz when someone requested me personally, especially for such a high-profile case. I didn’t enjoy dealing with the media frenzy that accompanied such serious accusations, but any lawyer would agree it was part ofthe package.

“What are you smiling at?”Beth asked.

“New case.”

“Huh.” Shefell silent.

“What?”

“I thought it might’ve been Brooke with the way you’ve been smirking atyour phone.”

“No, just Paula being Paula.” I smiled. I wished itwas Brooke.

Beth returned her eyes to the TV. She was watching some Japanese show I couldn’t follow. I’m not sure she could either, but she laughed every so often suggesting she understoodthe comedy.

Brooke should’ve finished work an hour ago, but she’d madeno contact.

“Will you keep your foot still.” Beth grabbed my toes from the other end of the sofa and squeezed.

“Ouch! I can’t help that I’m fidgety.”

“No, you’re not normally, but you’ve been moving your feet back and forth since we sat down. Just text the girl if it’s making you nervous.”

“How do you know she hasn’t alreadytexted me?”

“Because I know you, and I can tell you’re distracted. You have been all day.” She said matter-of-factly.

“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to seemdistracted.”

Beth blinked. “I know.”

“Are you okay with me going with Brooke tomorrow? I obviously came here to spend time with you. I wouldn’t want you to think I don’t wantto do that.”

“Am I okay? I’m delighted. No offence.” She paused. “You know I love you, but I’m exhausted, and I am more than happy to just relax at home.”

“Way to make a girl feel welcome,” I joked.

“Shut up.” She bent my toe until I squealed. “Ow!” I whacked her hand away, and we proceeded to wrestle with each other’s legs until my phone broke up the brawl. It was Brooke calling. Finally.

“I’m going to take thisin my room.”

“Okay loser.”

I ran into the bedroom, composing myself before I clicked the green button.

“Hey.” I leaned back against the chest of drawers. I felt casual and cool, but it’s not like she could see me.

“Hi, sorry I didn’t text you back earlier. I’ve beensuper busy.”