April Fools(17)

I tried to unlock the door but he held his arm out, "April, I'm sorry for snapping at you. I've had a stressful night and then I walked into the bar and saw your beautiful face. It should have cheered me up but the first thing I saw was the doubt in your eyes."

"Yeah and the first thing I saw was Abbie whispering in your ear."

"You know what she's like..."

"Oh, so that makes it okay then?"

"I didn't mean it like that. It's best to keep her on our side for now, just until I finish working at the University. I've told you how manipulative she can be."

"And by manipulative you mean a bitch?"

"Well, yeah." He let go of the door, "Look, I don't want you to doubt me, to doubt us. That's the kind of shit that destroys a relationship. Doubt takes something good and taints it, I won't let that happen. You're the only one for me and the whole world will know it soon enough."

I sighed, "You're right, I'm sorry. You know my feelings towards her but I shouldn't take it out on you."

"Let me handle Abbie, you've got nothing to worry about. Okay?" I nodded. "It'll all be over soon." He kissed my forehead, "Seven days."

"And counting. I'd better go before Brody comes looking for me."

"Thanks for bringing him here, I'm happy that I get to meet him."

I nodded, "I wanted you to meet him first."

"First?"

"We're going to see Lukas."

He raised his eyebrows, "Oh."

"Lucy invited us, I didn't want to go but Brody said that he wanted to."

"It's okay, he's your friend. You can make your own decisions, I'll always respect them." I could see in his eyes that he truly meant it. He laughed, "Now go, before I get beaten up by your brother, he's bigger than I expected."

Isaac made sure that the coast was clear before I left the toilets and walked back into the bar. I rolled my eyes when I saw Abbie sitting next to Brody, giggling at something that he was saying.

So much for the overprotective big brother coming to rescue me.

"Oh, hi April" she said, when she noticed me. I nodded in response as I sat down next to Lucy. "Why didn't you tell me that your brother was so handsome?"

"Are you nearly ready to go?" Lucy asked before downing a glass of red wine.

Brody smirked, "I thought you weren't going to drink it?"

"I changed my mind."

I took a big gulp of my own.

"I heard about the fire, I can't believe that someone would do such a thing. How are you coping?" Abbie asked.

"I'm fine."

"How's your friend? The one who was trapped?"

"Lukas. He's getting better."

"That's good to hear."

I looked over her shoulder to see Isaac approaching. "Hey, sorry to interrupt. Abbie, can you cover the bar? Charlie's taking his break now."

Abbie continued to look at me for a few more seconds before standing up, "Of course." She placed her hand on Brody's shoulder, "See you around." He watched as she strutted over to the bar.

Isaac extended his hand to Brody, "Hey, I'm Isaac."

They shook hands. "Brody."

"Isaac's my tutor" I told him.

"Why do you work here if you have a job at the University?"

"I actually own this place."

"So then I guess the question should be, why do you work at the University if you own this place?"

Isaac laughed, "I finish working there next week."

Brody looked around, "You've got a nice place."

"Thanks." He gestured towards the piano, "Do you play?"

"I play guitar in a band."

"He's incredible" I added.

"You've got to say that, you're my sister."

"Your honest sister."

Isaac laughed, "What's your band called?"

"We Say Summer."

"No way, I went to one of your gigs a few years ago at the Roadhouse. My little sister loved you."

Brody's eyes lit up, "That's awesome, small world."

"It is. Look, if you're ever in the area, the stage is all yours."

"Cheers, man."

"Well I better get back to work, it was good to meet you. You should come back some time, drinks are on the house."

"In that case, I'll be here every night."

Isaac laughed before turning to face me. He smiled reassuringly, "Have a great evening."

I nodded, "You too." I tried my best not to watch him as he walked away.

We finished our drinks and then made our way out of the bar. After a few minutes, Brody turned to face me, "He seems nice."

I felt like jumping up and down. Instead, I shrugged, trying my best to play it cool.





Chapter Twelve

"You didn't tell me that it was a party" I said as we stepped into Lukas's flat.