Page 90 of Checkmate
It was almost enough to make her call the whole thing off, but the plan was already in motion. Soon, Sophie would wake to the beginning of the rest of her life.
“Is Marcus still coming over?” Lottie asked, as though she could read Erica’s mind.
“I haven’t heard anything to suggest otherwise, and I don’t see him changing the plan.”
“So, it’s really happening. You’re going to be a single woman in a matter of hours.”
“Depends who you ask, I suppose,” Erica said, pondering her sister’s words. “I feel like I have been since Marcus’ letter.”
“Have you been acting like a single woman? You and Marcus have been getting awfully close. I saw you two flirting at rehearsals.”
“We were not flirting,” Erica insisted. “And I wouldn’t call sitting in a pub getting pissed while we argue over which dead person we’re going to pretend to be a rehearsal.”
“I would, and stop changing the topic. Are you into him?”
“Lottie, I swear—”
“Hey, I’m just asking as a concerned little sister.”
“I’m sure. Look, I have more important things to worry about right now and a plan that requires my attention—”
“What plan is this, then?”
Erica jumped at Alex’s voice at her side so suddenly as he emerged from the bathroom. “Never you mind,” she said coyly, quickly recovering from her surprise.
“Lottie, that’s Alex out of the shower, so I’ll see you later, yeah?”
“Oh, shit. Did he hear anything?”
“No, you’ll have to wait.”
“What? Oh, right. You can’t talk properly. Right. Well, okay, so I’ll see you soon. Love you.”
“Love you too,” Erica said, ending the call. She smiled over at Alex and felt emotion prick in her eyes.
This would be the last time they’d have a morning together, and though she knew this was the right thing to do, she couldn’t help but mourn for the relationship she thought she had.
“Everything all set up at your parent’s place?” He asked.
“I think so,” she replied, keeping the emotion from her tone. “Lottie didn’t sound too stressed.”
“Good. I don’t see why she would be. Your parents are experts at Christmas.”
“You’re not wrong,” she agreed, turning back to her reflection. She had to make herself look more presentable, or her mother would know immediately that something was up.
She grabbed her moisturiser and worked it into her face as Alex approached from behind her, still only in a towel.
“Wanna fool around before we get ready?” He asked, winking at her reflection.
“Sorry hon,” she said, wrinkling her nose as though she would have taken him up on his offer. “Time of the month.”
Alex sighed, his eyes lingering on hers before he nodded and pulled away. So far since their ‘reconciliation’ she’d had a UTI, thrush and a worrying number of headaches all to keep Alex away from her body.
She wasn’t sure he believed her. She didn’t care. At least he left her alone.
“So, what’s this plan you were talking about?” He asked, grabbing his clothes from the bed.
“Surprise,” she murmured, focusing on her make-up. “Can’t ruin the surprise.”
