Page 93 of Saving Ren

“Positive, Lyss.”

“So, the rumours are true?”

Fuck me. I knew at that moment driving into the bay was a better idea than answering this call.

“Depends on the rumours.”

“Someone’s busted through that wall that Wild built and got in there.”

“Then yep, those rumours would be true.”

Lauren lets out a loud huff, and I’m not sure if I want to laugh or drive into the next tree we pass.

“She there with you now?”

“Yep.”

“Yeah, I’m here bitch,” Lauren adds.

“Sorry, Gabe. You gonna be in trouble for this?”

“He sure fucking is,” Lauren gets in before I can reply.

I know if I laugh, I’ll be in even more trouble, but I still have to fight to control it.

“I was in trouble before you called, this probably won’t help redeem me in any way,” I smile in Lauren’s direction and say. Luckily, she’s gone back to staring out of the passenger window.

“Fuck. Sorry again, Gabe.”

“Shit happens, Lyss.”

“Right? Listen, I’ll let you go. You know where to find me when you work out you’re the same as me and not cut out for anything other than casual hook ups.”

I open my mouth to protest that things have changed.I’vechanged, andwon’tbe getting in touch, but Lauren spins in her seat, taps the dash screen, and ends the call.

The cab of my truck fills with the voice of Florence Welch, as she tells us, ‘You’ve Got the Love’. Without even looking at Lauren, I pull over and into one of the beach car parks. Turning the music down low, I twist in the driver’s seat and face her, but she keeps her eyes forward, staring out across the beach to the bay.

“I’m sorry. You didn’t need to hear all that, but, in all fairness, you did tell me to answer.”

“It’s fine. I’m fine. Are we going to look for furniture and paint, or are we gonna sit here and watch the waves?”

“You’re not fine, you’re pissed off. Will you look at me, Ren?”

To my surprise, she turns. Her face perfectly blank, her eyes conveying nothing.

“I thought you only did one and dones?” She questions.

“Alysa’s probably the only exception,” I tell her honestly.

“Great.” She nods while raking her top teeth over the corner of her bottom lip. “Good to know.”

“The reason for that is, she doesn’t want more. She’s happy for a hook up and nothing else.”

“So glad you’ve got that in common. Happy for you.”

“You gonna stop being a child about this so we can enjoy the rest of our day?”

“Probably not.”