Page 4 of Forever, Never, Always (Forever #2)

Sofia

I stare at my reflection in the mirror, hardly believing it’s me. Zoe forced her stylist into seeing me right away, and I am so glad she did because I look amazing.

“Thank you,” I whisper with tears glimmering in my eyes. “I don’t know what to say.”

“My darling, you do not need to thank me. It was a pleasure to see such an amazing transformation,” he says, kissing my cheek.

Zoe insists on paying and then she drives me home. I’m so stunned, I have no words, so we drive in complete silence. And then once we get inside, I’m even more amazed to see the place sparkling. Meg turns to me, arching a brow in surprise.

“You cleaned up,” I mutter.

“And Harry is in bed fast asleep,” Meg tells me. “I even managed to get some pasta on for dinner.”

“That’s so kind,” I whisper as tears roll down my cheek again.

Zoe throws her arm around me. “No more tears.”

“You look amazing,” says Meg, stepping closer to look at my new hair.

“Ches suggested framing her face and giving her some shape,” Zoe explains. “And then he ran some highlights through it. I can’t believe how different she looks.”

“We need to celebrate this weekend,” says Meg, and Zoe nods in approval then winces and bends at the waist.

“Okay,” I say firmly, “that’s about the tenth time I’ve seen you in pain. What’s wrong?”

“Just cramps,” Zoe mutters, shrugging.

“Bullshit,” says Meg. “You were on two weeks ago.”

“Why are you tracking my cycle?” she demands.

I laugh because Meg’s tracked Zoe’s cycle for years, so we’d know when she’s being a cow or when it’s hormonal.

Zoe sighs, her face suddenly serious. “I don’t suppose it would hurt to tell you now, but you can’t tell anyone. Not even Hugo,” she warns, and we both agree.

“I had a termination.”

I exchange a surprised look with Meg. “You did what?” I ask.

“It’s not a big deal,” she mutters then sighs, scrubbing her hands over her tired face. “It is a big deal, I know it is, but it’s for the best.”

“You didn’t even talk to us first,” states Meg.

“Well, some things are best left alone,” she says with another shrug,

“Does Ric know?” I ask.

“God, no, and he can’t ever know.”

“Zoe, this is huge, and you haven’t spoken to anyone about it,” I say, looking at Meg, who’s nodding in agreement.

“I have. I spoke to medical professionals who know more about all this than you.” I arch a brow, and she sighs. “Sorry, I don’t mean to snap. I’m tired and in pain.”

“How long have you known?”

“A few weeks,” she admits. “But the second I found out, I knew I didn’t want it. You know I don’t want kids. It was a mistake, a slip-up that won’t happen again.”

“A slip-up how?” Meg asks.

“I forgot to pick up my prescription for the pill so was late taking it for about a week. It was stupid, and I thought I’d be safe. I avoided Ric all week, but then we bumped into one another on a night out and one thing led to another.”

“Ric wants kids,” I mutter.

Zoe scowls my way. “So, now, you’re best friends with my boyfriend?”

“Oh, he is your boyfriend?” I snap. “Because you never seem sure.”

“Hey,” says Meg, “let’s not argue. Now is not the time. Zoe, if you’re okay, that’s all that matters.”

I relent, taking Zoe’s hand. “She’s right. It’s your choice. Sorry.”

“I know Ric wants children one day, but not yet and probably not with me. We’re still very new to this relationship thing, and neither of us are ready.

If I’d have told him, he would have felt obliged to talk me into it, and then I’d have resented him.

I’m just not strong enough to be a mum,” she says. “I’m not like you two.”

“I’m not strong,” I mutter. “Look at the state this place was in when you arrived. I’m totally winging it.”

“All parents are,” says Meg. “None of us know what to do, but we do our best and that’s all that matters.

What we really need to do is talk more. Sofia, you should’ve called and said you needed help.

You’re not on your own in this journey. And Zoe, you should’ve trusted us to tell us this huge thing.

We would’ve supported you, and I could have come with you. ”

“I guess we’re all so busy doing life, we’ve let things slip,” I say.

“From now on, we talk more,” says Zoe.

“Agreed,” I reply.

The next day, I go into the office feeling better.

I love my hair, and it’s still holding the bounce that Chas curled into it last night.

I opted for a summer dress with white trainers, which Zoe approved for me.

And as I pass Dexter, he follows me with his eyes, and I think I see a hint of approval there, boosting my confidence further.

Think like a boss bitch . That’s what Zoe drummed into me last night.

“Dexter,” I say casually, “a word.” I head for his office, and he joins me seconds later, his eyes travelling up my body.

“I rewrote the article,” I say, handing him a fresh copy.

When I told the girls about my article, Meg informed me she’d read the book and filled me in.

“And this time, read it properly before giving me your feedback.” I turn on my heel and march away, my entire body tingling with excitement.

A few minutes later, Dexter approaches my desk, perching on the edge. “I love it.”

I glance up in surprise. “Really?”

“Yeah. It’s perfect. How did you read the book so fast?”

I smile. “So, it’ll get published?”

He nods. “Next issue.” He starts to walk away before turning back. “Everyone’s going for drinks Friday night. You should come.”

Eric

I do a double take when I spot Sofia in her back garden. Heading into my own, I look over the fence. “You did your hair,” I say, and she spins to face me.

“You made me jump,” she says, sounding breathless. She scoops Harry up from his sand table and moves closer. “You told the girls on me,” she adds accusingly but then smiles. “Thank you for looking out for me. Things feel better now I’ve spoken to them about my struggles.”

I rest my arms on the fence, hesitating just a beat too long. “Maybe . . . we could grab some dinner?” The words are out before I can second-guess myself, so I pretend like I’m cool about it.

“Dinner?”

“If you haven’t eaten?” She shakes her head. “Great. I know a little place that’s child-friendly.”

We take my car, and I head for a restaurant by the lake. It’s nice this time of year and one of my favourites, but Zoe hates it because of the number of kids who come for the free ice cream station.

We opt for a table outside to make the most of the sunshine, and Harry doesn’t fuss when she pops him in the highchair because he’s too busy watching the boats on the lake.

There’s something different about Sofia. She looks happier and more relaxed as she scans the menu. “My treat,” I tell her.

“No, don’t be silly. I should be treating you for helping.”

“My dad would have a heart attack if I told him I’d invited you for a meal and didn’t pay. Honestly, let me or I’ll feel sick with guilt.”

She laughs, and the sound warms my heart. “Okay, thank you.”

We order, and once the drinks arrive, I sink back into my seat. “I love the hair,” I say, meaning it.

“Zoe’s idea,” she replies, a small smile playing at her lips. Guilt twists low in my stomach—I’m not even sure why, but it’s there, heavy and persistent. “She practically dragged her stylist out to see me last night. He worked his magic.”

“Sounds like Zoe,” I say with a quiet laugh.

Sofia glances away, her smile fading. “Yeah. She’s a really good friend.”

The pang sharpens. I can’t tell if she feels it too, or if she’s gently reminding me where the lines are now. “You seem different,” I offer after a beat. “Happier?”

She smiles wider. “Yah know what, I feel happier. And Harry must sense it because he hasn’t screamed once this afternoon.”

“That’s great, Sofia. I’m really pleased for you.”

“And work is getting better. You were right—it was first day nerves. I even impressed Dexter today.”

“Dexter?” I echo, the name catching in my throat. There it is, a sharp, unwelcome twist of jealousy. I straighten in my seat, forcing myself to breathe. I can’t be jealous. I have no right to be. My heart pounds as her voice fades into background noise and the realisation crashes over me.

I can’t like Sofia.

She’s my girlfriend’s best friend.

“And he even invited me for drinks on Friday,” she says as I tune back in.

“Huh?”

“Are you okay, Ric? You look worried.”

I shake my head. “I’m good. Sorry. You were saying?”

“Dexter, my boss, he invited me for drinks.”

“Are you going?”

“I think so. I’m supposed to be meeting Zoe and Meg anyway, so I’ve asked my parents to have Harry overnight.”

“It’s probably not a smart move to date your boss, Sofia,” I mutter, and she narrows her eyes.

“Who said anything about dating?”

“If you meet him for drinks, he might get the wrong impression.”

“Thanks for your concern,” she says, clearly confused, as am I. This is not the reaction I should be having. “But it’s a work thing. It won’t be just the two of us.”

Our food arrives, and I use it as a way to get my shit together. I watch as she breaks some chicken up for Harry and blows on it.

“Does Harry see his dad?” I ask.

She glances up. “I don’t know his dad,” she replies, and it surprises me, which must show on my face because she breaks into laughter.

“I love saying that line just to see the shock.” She gives Harry some chicken, and he crams his fist into his mouth.

“I chose an unconventional way to have Harry,” she continues. “Artificial insemination.”

I raise my brows in surprise. “Why?” Then I groan. “Sorry, I’m being rude.”

“It’s fine, Ric,” she says, placing her hand over mine. I pull it back like she’s burned me, ignoring the tingles her touch leaves, and her frown deepens. “Are you okay? You’re acting odd.”

“Sorry, I’ve got work on my mind,” I lie.

“I’m here to listen if you need to talk,” she offers, and my heart swells a little more. She’s going through the shit at the minute, yet she still offers to listen to my worries.

“It’s fine,” I tell her.