Page 78 of Conviction

I raise my palm in the air and Conner gives me a high-five, I keep grinning like the drunk girl I am.

Marcus points his finger at me. “Expect a call from my lawyer.” He turns and starts walking away.

“Look forward to it Newman.We, look forward to it,” Conner calls after him.

He turns to me, eyebrows raised in concern.

“You all right?” he asks.

He wraps his arms around me, pulling me in close. It’s then that I realise, how badly I’m shaking.

“That was intense,” I tell him, noticing people looking our way as I speak.

“He was behind Pearce’s blackmailing that forced me into marrying him.”

“No shit, Sherlock? I’d already worked that one out. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was also behind my calls not getting through while you were in the hospital. He probably put Pearce up to it.”

I stare at him for a moment, mulling that one over. He’s probably right. I suddenly feel drained. Overwhelmed by all of today’s revelations, and possibly the day drinking.

“I just can’t believe this. You couldn’t make this shit up,” I shake my head as I speak.

“It’s fucked, that’s what it is. The situation, your brother and him, all fucked.”

I notice two boys, aged about sixteen looking at Conner as we speak.

“You better get your beanie back on your head, Conner Reed rock star,” I tell him with a smile. “The public are starting to stare. Someone is gonna recognise you in a minute.”

He kisses my nose. “I love you, do you need to go back to work?”

“Not really, my mother was my only client today.”

“Well, can I make some calls and get someone with a van over so we can get the last of your stuff moved to my place?” he asks.

“It doesn’t need a van, Con. I only have some clothes and a few personal bits.”

“You don’t have any furniture or anything at Sophie’s?”

“No, I left with nothing. I went back and grabbed a few clothes and bits, but other than that, nothing.”

We start walking back to the salon, hand in hand. It feels so good being out in public with Conner, just walking through a park, holding hands. A nice, normal, everyday act and yet one that probably neither of us have done with anyone for years, but for entirely different reasons.

He kisses the back of my hand.

“Good, I’m glad you’re starting fresh with me. I’m glad there’s nothing from your marriage that you want. I don’t want any reminders of him in our home.”

I smile at my rock star’s jealousy and the fact that he just called his house,our home. I’m cool with that. Our home works for me.

We head straight up toSophie’s flat, and I pack my last few bits and pieces I have here into plastic carrier bags. Very classy I know, but that’s all I have to hand.

Conner calls Matt and asks if he can come and collect us. We take all of the bags downstairs, and Conner waits with them while I go into the salon and tell Sophie that I’ve taken the last of my stuff.

She’s standing with Maria and Donna, watching a rep from a permanent hair straightening supplier work their magic on a volunteer model. I watched a demo at a hair and fashion show, so I don’t need to see it.

I haven’t told any of our staff about Conner yet, so I try to speak quietly to Soph.

“I’ve taken the last of my stuff. I’ll give you a call a bit later. Thanks so much for everything.”

She gives me a smile. “You’re more than welcome, baby chick. How’d it go with the fucker?’