Page 57 of Ask Another Day

‘I don’t think things could get much unluckier,’ she muttered as she gestured to her still booted foot.

‘Oh, Holly. Things can most definitely get unluckier. I don’t want to be released from the challenge. I want you to let me set you up with Seb.’

And there it was. The hushed conversation she’d caught between Rose and her brother made so much more sense now. The laugh that escaped Holly was cold and harsh. It wasn’t a sound she liked hearing from herself. But she couldn’t help it.

‘Rose, seriously, you need to drop it. I tried. And spectacularly failed in that department. Seb made his feelings crystal clear twelve years ago. I am not putting myself through that again. We’re aiming for a supportive friendship between us. Friends where we are happy for each other. I know I’ve been treating him more like an employee instead of a friend lately. So that’s what I’m working on. Nothing else.’

‘But I see how he looks at you.’

‘No you don’t, Rose. It’s because you don’t really know him. Seb is nice to everyone. There is nothing between us.’

‘But–’

‘Seriously. Just drop it,’ and because her tone came out too harsh, she added a gentle, ‘please?’

Reluctantly, Rose nodded.

‘OK. But this,’ she gestured to the round piece of cardboard between her fingers, ‘must not be ripped up. Understand?’

Holly rolled her eyes, but she nodded.

Rose blew out a frustrated breath. ‘Fine. I won’t set you up on any more dating apps, but I’ve still got time to find you someone.’

*

That night, when she was tucked up in bed, she looked across at the Fortune Cube which was nestled by her pillow. Different questions filtered through until she came to the one she decided to ask.

‘Will Rose keep her word about the dating apps?’

She wasn’t feeling hopeful as she pressed the button to wake up the screen - certain Rose was probably, right now, plotting some other kind of blind date. When the words Absolutely came into view, once again Holly wasn’t sure how she felt about that answer.

Chapter 18

Beyond a Shadow of Doubt

‘Crap. We’re not moving,’ Seb said as he put the gear stick into park and turned off the engine.

Sirens and flashing lights built up in the rearview mirror until two ambulances, a fire engine, and a police van sped past.

‘That’s not a good sign,’ Holly groaned, already searching through her bag for her phone; she needed to get hold of her consultant’s secretary, because all signs were pointing to her being very late for her appointment.

‘I’ve got good snacks at least,’ Seb offered as he leant over her to pop the glove compartment open. A jumbo packet of Haribo and a packet of Viennese fingers spilled out onto Holly’s lap.

Her eyes widened when she took in the haul of snacks.

‘Seb, these aren’t good snacks. They are Tier 1 snacks.’

Seb shrugged. ‘Danny loves a Viennese finger, so I always make sure there is a stash in the car. And you can’t beat Starmix.’

‘He doing OK?’ Holly asked as she tore open the packet of biscuits. A pang of guilt nestled its way in when she acknowledged, by shutting out Seb, she now had no idea how Danny was doing.

‘Fine. He gets on well with everyone at his residential place. He’ll be home again in a couple of weeks. He’d love to see you.’

‘I’ll come over. Natalie keeps asking about both of you.’

‘Can I call in and see her later?’ he asked.

‘She’d like that.’