Page 4 of Only Ever Yours

Chapter Three

Hollis

When I woke up the following morning, it took me a couple of moments to get my bearings.

Sunlight streamed through the window, and the sound of birds filled the air, such a difference from the low hum of London traffic and occasional sirens.

I stretched, the sense of freedom washing over me.

Not having to go to work was a strange feeling; it had been a while since I’d taken any more than the odd day off here and there.

I took a quick shower before heading downstairs.

Finn sat at the kitchen table, his laptop in front of him.

“You were out late last night.”

It’s Gil all over again . Then I remembered Finn was my older brother and we looked out for each other no matter what. He wasn’t trying to control me; he wanted to protect me as he always had.

I went to the fridge to check out the contents. Honestly, I shouldn’t have been disappointed or surprised by the lack of actual food in there. Shutting the door, I turned to Finn, resolving to add make a trip to the supermarket to my list of things to do .

“How do you two even survive?” The kettle was at least still warm, and I could make a coffee. Without caffeine, I couldn’t start the day.

“Felicity sometimes makes us breakfast.”

A strange tightness in my chest developed at the mention of Felicity’s name again. So she stays over . Why does it even matter to me?

“I’ll have another coffee if you’re making one.” Finn held out his mug.

Rolling my eyes, I took it from him. “Milk and two sugars?”

“No sugar these days. Ella managed to wean me off of it.”

“And there’s another reason you shouldn’t have split up with her,” I said triumphantly, spooning coffee into two mugs and getting what was left of the milk out of the fridge.

“Sis, if you’re going to keep banging on about me and Ella, you can find somewhere else to stay. Maybe she has a spare room?” Finn smirked as I handed him his fresh coffee.

I held up my hands. “Okay, okay. I get the message. No more talk of you getting back with Ella.”

Settling into the chair opposite him, I gestured to the laptop. “How’s it all going?”

He blew out his cheeks. “Harder than I thought. I mean, running the businesses, the practical side of things, is easy. Jase and the guys fix cars and bikes; the guys at the gym train and motivate. Dealing with the back end of two businesses is tough. I pretty much know my way around the garage, but the gym’s a different story. ”

“You want me to take a look at it?” I offered.

Finn shook his head. “You’re here for a break, to get your mind off everything that happened with Gil. You don’t need to start helping me with spreadsheets. ”

Cradling the mug in my hands, I stared at the milky-brown liquid. It might not have been the morning coffee I got at Gail’s on my way to work, but it sure tasted a lot better this morning. “I guess I want to keep busy. If I don’t, I’ll only start thinking about everything.”

“I get it.” Finn shut the laptop. “What did you tell the people at work?”

“I told them I had a family emergency and wouldn’t be around for a few days. They’ve given me some compassionate leave.” I put imaginary air quotes around the last two words.

“You can stay here as long as you want. We need someone since Barney’s moved out. It may as well be someone we know.”

I fell silent. Moving back to Maplebrook hadn’t even been on my radar; however, it was good to know I had it as an option if I needed it. Sipping my coffee, I asked, “Would Jase be okay with it?”

He shrugged. “You’re my sister, Hollis. If he can’t understand that, then he’ll be the one who has to move out.”

“Thanks, Finn. Good to know.”

Finn’s phone pinged. His frown deepened as he read the message, tutted, typed out a reply, then tossed the device back on the table with a huff.

“Everything okay?” I asked.

“Jess has called in sick. I’ve got no one to make coffee at the café in the gym, and Friday morning is when all the mums come in to catch up with their mates. I can’t risk having it closed; it’s an easy money maker.”

“Isn’t there someone who can cover?”

“Nope. Tia’s gone away for her boyfriend’s birthday. I’m stuck.” He tilted his head and fixed me with an expectant look. “Don’t suppose you’d consider helping me out?”

“Hey, two minutes ago you were telling me I needed a break.”

“What else were you going to do today? Hang out with Ella?” Finn crossed his arms over his chest.

I sucked in my lips. “I guess you never lose the skill of latte art.”

Finn beamed at me. “Thanks, Sis. I owe you one.”

An hour later, we were in Sutton’s Gym, which was in an industrial unit on the outskirts of town.

I had only seen a few photos of it, and seeing it in person made it all the more real.

Finn showed me around. There was the reception area with a good-sized coffee shop, two large rooms with space for exercise and dance classes, plus two more areas with all the latest gym equipment.

“You did all this?” I couldn’t quite believe how professional it all looked. The last time I’d seen it, the place had resembled a building site.

“With a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. Mostly mine and some of Jase’s, too.

I’ve got a number of personal trainers, some women who run yoga, Pilates, and Zumba classes, and a lady who wants to start a youngsters’ dance class.

” Finn radiated pride. “And Jess and Tia, who run the coffee shop between them,” he said, bringing us full circle and back into the coffee shop.

“It’s a fairly simple operation.” He gestured to the menu on the wall that showed all the coffees and cold drinks they sold.

Scanning the sign, I saw there was nothing I couldn’t make even though I would be a little rusty, and it would take a moment to get up to speed on the machine. The door opened, and two women, both pushing buggies, walked in.

“Morning, Finn,” they chorused in unison.

“Hello, ladies.” He grinned. “This is my sister, Hollis. She’s going to be making your coffee today.”

“Ooh, lovely. Two extra-hot, flat whites when you’re ready.” They found themselves a seat and started chatting.

“Guess I’ll get started, then.” I couldn’t help but chuckle to myself as I walked behind the bar area and stared at the coffee machine.

“Oh, I got you this.” Finn tossed a T-shirt towards me. “I don’t have uniforms. If you’d wear this, it would be much appreciated. Can’t remember what size you’d be, so I hope it fits.”

I unfurled the black T-shirt, which had Sutton’s Gym’s logo emblazoned over the left breast. Tugging it on over the T-shirt I already wore, it was a bit tight but would have to do for now as I had coffee to make.

The morning passed by in a blur, with a steady stream of customers.

The majority were mums catching up with their friends as Finn had predicted, and I served premade smoothies and juices to the gym-goers.

Shortly after one o’clock, the coffee area was empty as people took advantage of their lunch breaks to use the gym.

Despite my concerns, I had actually enjoyed myself that morning.

The routine of making drinks and creating the coffee art had had a soothing effect.

The serene sensation soon disappeared as I checked my phone.

Messages from my boss, the woman I’d rented the flat from, and my ex filled the screen.

Alissa

Hi Hollis, hope everything is okay. Do let me know when you think you’ll be back. We have a few new projects coming online soon.

Kim

I heard you’re away for a bit. Is it okay for my cousin to sleep over this weekend? She has her own key.

Gil

Where are you? I need to see you. We were meant to be together.

Thankfully, in the sea of shit, there were a couple of bright sparks.

Ella

Pop into the shop when you’re next in town. I’ve got some new stock in that would be perfect for you.

Jase

Couldn’t pick up a box of peppermint tea, could you?

The last message had me sniggering. Jase always knew how to make me smile. I remembered my high-maintenance request when I’d turned up at the garage yesterday. Maybe he was hoping I’d stick around after all.

I didn’t know what to say to Alissa. Although it had only been twenty-four hours, it felt like she was already pressuring me to come back.

After a moment’s thought, I sent her a vague response saying I wasn’t sure, but I’d keep her updated.

Gil’s message filled me with dread, but at least he didn’t have any idea of where I was.

Deciding to ignore it, I replied to Kim to tell her it was fine for her cousin to stay. Finn appeared as I pressed send.

“You okay?” he asked, leaning against the bar.

“Mmmm,” I replied, noncommittally.

“Why don’t we do something tonight? Go out, have some drinks, listen to some music.”

All those things sounded so normal, so easy. To chill out with my brother and enjoy being back in Maplebrook. No pressure. No stress .

“Sounds like a plan.” I smiled. “Although I have nothing to wear on a night out here. I literally shoved a bunch of stuff in my bags to cover me for a weekend of doing nothing.”

“Then it’s a good thing the café closes in”—Finn glanced over at the huge clock on the wall—“about five minutes.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Are you saying that to appease me?”

He lifted a shoulder. “Maybe. What sort of a brother would I be if I didn’t let you go and do some retail therapy? I’ll see you at home later.”

Impulsively, I threw my arms around him. “Thanks, Finn.”

The town centre was a leisurely fifteen-minute walk from the gym, and I took my time, enjoying the sunshine. It had been a long time since I’d skived off work on a Friday afternoon to do something for me, and it felt slightly naughty as well as freeing.

Ha, if I worked with Finn, I could have every Friday afternoon off.

I shook away the thought as I got closer to the shopping mall.

Once there, I made a beeline for one of the chain lingerie stores and did significant damage to my credit card.

I bought several of their three-for-two offers, ending up with more knickers than I could possibly need for a weekend stay.

I could never resist a pretty matching set.

Next, I went to my favourite clothes store and bought another pair of dark blue skinny jeans, and I found a pair of cute boots on sale.

All I needed now was a top to go out tonight, and Ella had mentioned she had new stock in.

How could I resist? On the way to see her, I got distracted by a homewares store.

I found a cute duvet and pillowcase set, with a china-blue flower pattern, and a white throw, as well as scented candles and a vase.

I planned on buying a bunch of flowers on the way home, to make my room look more feminine, even if only for the weekend.

I could always keep the things for my next place anyway.

Loaded down with bags, I made my way to Ella’s shop and pushed open the door. The bell dinged as I entered. Ella grinned at me from the till, where she chatted to a woman who had a bunch of dresses she wanted to try on. Once Ella had directed her to the changing room, she waved me over.

“You don’t know how pleased I am to see you.

” Her words were whispered in a hushed tone.

“That woman was driving me nuts. She couldn’t decide what she wanted, and in the end, I had to show her everything.

She’ll be here for hours trying things on now, though.

” Ella gestured to my bags. “Someone’s been spending. ”

I grinned. “Well, when you escape London with two holdalls and a handbag, you don’t exactly have much to play with. I needed a few essentials.”

Her gaze swept over the bag from the lingerie shop. “ Essentials, huh?”

“A girl needs nice knickers.”

“Hey, I’m not arguing. They have good offers on at the moment, as well.”

“You said you had a delivery of new stuff I might like?”

Ella nodded. “We do.”

“Finn suggested going out tonight, and I have nothing to wear.” I paused. “You should come.”

She shook her head. “Thanks, but I don’t want Finn to think I’m stalking him.”

Her word choice made me think of Gil, and my mood dipped. I tried to shake it off and muster a little enthusiasm for the evening ahead. “Okay, fair enough. Now, how about you show me something fabulous to wear tonight?”