Part 31 (1/2)
”Always. Be more specific.”
”About Tom. About me deserving better.”
”That doesn't sound like something I'd say...”
But we both know she did.
”Whatever we had, it's over now. I don't want him back any more.” Saying it sets me free.
”You don't sound like you're a pathetic, weeping, wailing blob of snot...”
”Charming.” I laugh. ”That's because I know it's the right thing this time.”
”It was the right thing last time.”
”All right, no need to be smart about it. I just wanted to tell” I was going to say ”someone”, but ”you.”
Silence. My sister doesn't really know how to handle me being nice to her. I wouldn't either, if the situation was reversed.
”So now I've woken you up, can you do me a favour?” My tone makes it clear the conversation is back to normal.
So is Naomi's. ”Probably not.”
”Ring Mum. Ask her about her date last night it's not just me she wants to gossip with.”
As I end the call, I'm level with the charging tent and I collect Ruby's phone, before turning back towards our camp. My thoughts drift to Sebastian and I smile at the thought of telling Ruby about all the good things that have happened this weekend, as well as the bad. Because I'm going to tell her everything now as Ruby said, she and I don't do secrets.
I'm distracted as Ruby's phone starts to vibrate and a message flashes up.
Hey, Ruby, on the off chance you've charged your phone... I'm at your camp. Where are you? Stu
34 * CARELESS WHISPER
RUBY.
After a while Lee asks me how he looks.
”Puffy” is my answer.
”But in a cute way, right?”
”If you find blotches and snot cute, then sure, why not?”
He hauls me up off the floor and we walk back side by side. I don't know what my brother is thinking about, but for the most part I'm thinking that Lee has only partially explained what happened last night and for all I want to be able to leave it as it is, I can't.
”Lee?”
”Yes?”
”Why did you do it?”
He doesn't ask what I mean he knows I mean the boy he was with, the not-Owen whose shorts Lee had been unzipping. ”I told you, Ruby, I'm weak. And I thought it would make me feel better to know I could be with someone I didn't love.”
The thought process is so alarmingly familiar that it knocks the breath out of me.
I don't want Wexler to be Stu that's kind of the point.
But it didn't make me feel better, and looking at Lee, I'm not sure it worked out for him either.
”But in Owen's van? What were you thinking?”
Lee shrugs. ”I have spare keys. Thought it'd be better than bringing him back to Owen's tent.”
I give him Ultimate Disapproval Face.
And then, as if it has only just occurred to him, his brows pull together and he tilts his face to look at me closely.
”What were you doing there?”
KAZ.
Camp is deserted but for a lone figure standing, hands in pockets, waiting for someone who isn't me.
”What are you doing here?” I say.
Stu turns at the sound of my voice. He looks exhausted and he hasn't shaved since Friday although the way he smells I guess he's washed. Stu always smells good. Pheromones from his s.e.x overdrive, presumably.
”I'm looking for Ruby. Do you know where she is?”
”Why, so you can just keep hurting her?”
Stu looks confused. ”What do you mean?”