The Truce

by Becca Steele

  “Hey, Martha,” I said softly, sinking down onto the wooden bench next to her wheelchair.

  She turned to face me, her lined face crinkling into a smile when she saw me.

  “Luke. What a pleasant surprise.” Her wavery voice soothed me like no other.

  She studied me, her wise eyes knowing.

  “What’s the matter, my darling boy?” Reaching out a shaking hand, she clasped mine, her papery skin fragile against my own rough fingers.

  Sighing heavily, I leaned back, closing my eyes.

  “Just a bad day at work. Nothing major.” I rubbed the sore spot on my head, wincing.

  Martha was the closest thing I had to a grandmother, my own passing away before I was born. She’d been my neighbour when I’d moved to London with my dad at fourteen, a sullen teenage boy, angry at the world and blaming my dad for my mum leaving us. Martha had taken me under her wing, and I’d spent as much time in her house as my own. My dad and I weren’t getting along, and Martha had sensed that in her perceptiveness. As time went on, our roles reversed and I began to look after her, running errands and doing her weekly online food shop. When I’d turned eighteen and accepted a place at university, my dad informed me that he was moving to Cambridge with his latest girlfriend, and I’d had no choice but to move into university residences as our house was being sold. I’d met Ethan and Alex on my first day, and we’d clicked straight away. Although we’d ended up sharing a house after our first year of university, once we’d moved out of our halls of residence, I’d still made an effort to visit Martha as often as I could. Her son lived in Dubai, and she didn’t have anyone else looking out for her.

  Six months into my university degree, her son had called me to say that Martha was unable to manage at home alone and was being moved into assisted-living accommodation. Truthfully, it had been the best thing for her. Martha had thrived, making new friends, and she had twenty-four-hour care and meals delivered to her three times a day.

  “It’s alright if you don’t want to talk about it, Luke. I want you to remember this, though. Holding on to anger hurts you in the long run. Let it go, otherwise it’ll consume you.”

  My body tensed. Martha always had a knack for seeing right through me. She knew exactly how much anger and resentment I harboured inside me. I pushed it down, deep down, but there were times it bubbled up to the surface. Every time I tried to reach out to my dad and he rejected me, it was another blow, another stab in the gut. I could admit that there were times I unfairly took out my frustrations on other people.

  Olivia’s face appeared in my mind. No, she’s as much to blame as me.

  6

  Olivia

  “Avery,” I called, waving madly from the low-slung sofa I’d miraculously managed to snag in the back corner of the pub. A huge smile broke across my best friend’s face when she saw me, and she hurried over. Jumping to my feet, I threw my arms around her, and we danced around overexcitedly.

  “Ugh, your hair’s in my mouth,” I mumbled, using my hand to brush the soft dark strands from my face.

  “Oops, sorry.” She laughed, her blue eyes sparkling at me. She pulled back and held my arms. “Let me look at you. I haven’t seen you for ages. I’ve missed you, doll.”

  “I missed you, too.” I collapsed back onto the sofa, pushing a glass of pink gin and tonic towards her, ice cubes clinking, and she beamed at me, taking a graceful sip.

  “It’s not the same at work without you there; I don’t have a Luke buffer anymore.” I made a sad face, and Avery laughed.

  I’d met Avery eight months earlier on my very first day at Barrett London, scared, alone, new to the city. She’d taken me under her wing, and we’d bonded almost instantly. Avery had worked at Barrett London as an accountant, right up until a couple of months prior, when she’d applied for an accounting job in a theatre box office on a whim and had sailed through the interview. Despite her new working hours being erratic on occasion, the job was perfect for her. She was a huge theatre buff, and the discounts on theatre tickets were incredibly generous—she got to see almost every play that hit the West End.

  “I thought you two would be over this animosity by now.” She shook her head at me, a mock-stern expression on her face.

  “Not even close.” I sighed. “It’s like I revert to a child in his presence.”

  “I think you secretly enjoy it.” Avery winked.

  I sat back and thought about it. Messing with Luke could be fun, sometimes.

  “I do,” I conceded. “Although not when he gets angry.”

  Avery raised a brow. “Do you think Luke enjoys it?”

  I was silent for a long time.

  “Um, I don’t think so, no,” I said at last, biting my lip. “Maybe I should stop antagonising him so much.” I thought back to earlier that day, when he’d fallen and hit his head. It had been funny at the time—hilarious, in fact—but he’d genuinely hurt himself. And I had started the whole thing by playing what I thought was a harmless prank, changing his computer settings with Jamie’s help.

  A wave of guilt washed over me.

  “That’s it,” I decided. “Tomorrow, I’m turning over a new leaf. I’m going to channel my inner Avery Jenkins and be so nice to him he won’t know what to make of it.”

  Avery laughed. “Please call me with an update afterwards, I beg you.”

  “I will,” I promised.

  “Babe,” she called, standing up, her attention caught by the tall, gorgeous man striding through the groups of patrons to our sofa.

  “Hope you don’t mind me crashing your girls’ night.” Ethan glanced over at me, before dropping a kiss on Avery’s upturned mouth and pulling her into his side for a hug.

  “Nope, I don’t mind at all,” I assured him.

  I was telling the truth. Ethan may have been my boss, but he was also a friend, and I was very fond of him. He treated my best friend like a queen, and I was so happy that they’d found each other.

  He smiled at me. “Good. I brought a friend.”

  Turning his head towards the bar, he waved. My stomach sank as I followed his line of sight. Almost afraid to look, I peeked out from behind my fingers. Surely Luke couldn’t be at the bar? Fate wouldn’t, couldn’t be that cruel. I’d said I was going to try to be nice to him, but I wasn’t prepared to see him at that point in time.

  I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw Alex there. He grinned and waved back when he saw us watching him, two dimples appearing in his cheeks.

  Returning his grin, I watched in amusement as he flirted up a storm with the pretty brunette bartender, flustering her so much that she spilled his drink. I could see him wave away her apologies with an easy laugh.

  “You know, you could have another date with him, if you wanted,” Ethan said in a low tone. “I know he finds you attractive.”

  “Huh?” I flushed. “No. I mean, he’s pretty much a Hemsworth on the sexiness scale, but I don’t like him in that way. He’s very charming, but I’m not attracted to him. At all.”

  I didn’t miss the meaningful glance exchanged between Ethan and Avery.

  “What? Stop doing that thing where you speak to each other without words.” I looked between them, eyes narrowed.

  “You’re being paranoid,” Avery said softly.

  They exchanged another loaded look, and then Ethan turned his full attention to me.

  “Liv, I want you to be prepared.” He eyed me with caution. “Luke may turn up here at some point.”

  “Uh, thanks for warning me,” I mumbled.

  “He’s got a date. With Ashley.”

  They both stared at me, gauging my reaction.

  “Our receptionist Ashley?”

  Ethan nodded.

  Ashley.

  Pretty, slim, tumbling blonde curls. Universally liked Ashley.

  What I could only describe as a spike of pure, hot jealously stabbed through me. I kept my face impassive, or at least I hoped I did, but inside my head I was asking myself why I was feelin
g such an extreme reaction. I shouldn’t be feeling anything—didn’t want to feel anything. This was Luke Davenport. We didn’t even like each other.

  “That’s nice,” I said evenly. I picked up my glass and took a large gulp, my hand shaking slightly.

  Ethan and Avery shared another knowing look. I glared at them both.

  “I’m getting another drink.”

  I flew across the pub to the bar before either of them could say another word.

  I slid onto a stool next to Alex, who was still charming the bartender.

  “Lovely Liv!” he exclaimed, dropping his heavy arm around me. He looked me over from head to toe. “Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes,” he flirted.

  “Oh, stop it, you.” My mood instantly improved. Laughing, I playfully shoved his arm away, or tried to, at least.

  “What are you made of, rocks?” I giggled and squeezed his huge bicep. “Here, get a feel of this,” I marvelled to the bartender, who was eyeing Alex’s muscles with avid interest. She needed no further encouragement and leaned across the bar to stroke his arm, purring in appreciation.

  “Ladies, just so you know, I’m happy to spread the love.” Alex winked at us. “There’s plenty of me to go around.”

  “Thanks, but no thanks,” I snorted.

  Grinning, I ruffled his hair, then turned to the bartender. “He’s all yours, but would you mind getting me a drink first? Slimline G and T, please.”

  “Of course.” She smiled. Ducking behind the bar, she returned quickly with my gin, and I took a grateful sip.

  “Thanks. Sorry, I never introduced myself. That was rude of me. I’m Olivia.” I held out my hand, returning her smile.

  “Sarah.” She placed her hand in mine, shaking it. “It’s a pleasure.”

  “Well, Sarah, now that we know each other, I think I can share a secret with you.” I leaned forward, cupping my hand around my mouth. “My friend Alex here would like to get to know you better, if you know what I’m saying,” I said in a stage whisper.

  I grinned as she blushed, then rallied. “I kind of got that impression.” Her gaze moving from me to Alex, she stared into his eyes. “I’m looking forward to getting to know him better, too.”

  Alex’s smile was so wide, I could see all his teeth. He turned to me. “You make a good wingman. Wingwoman. I think I’ve got it from here, though.” He hugged me into his side and dropped a kiss on top of my head.

  Smiling, I hopped off my stool. “You two have fun.” I waggled my fingers at them both and made my way back to the sofa, only to stop dead when I saw we’d been joined by two others.

  My good mood evaporated.

  Luke and Ashley. They sat together on the sofa, Luke’s arm slung casually around Ashley’s shoulder. Ashley looked pretty as always. I couldn’t tell you more than that. My focus was almost wholly on Luke Davenport. He looked…his hair was all dark and tousled, and the tailored navy suit he was wearing hugged his lean, muscular body in the most perfect way… I had to fight back the stab of jealousy that hit me again. Fuck. This was not good.

  I shuttered my expression, forcing myself to act upbeat. “Ashley, hi. What a nice surprise to see you,” I said, smiling. “I didn’t realise you and Davenport were a thing.”

  I glanced at Luke, the smile barely staying on my face. His emerald eyes darkened as they narrowed at me.

  “Oh, we’re not a thing. It’s a casual date.” Ashley shrugged, giving me a small smile. “Just seeing where it takes us.”

  “Groovy,” I said, giving her a thumbs-up.

  Groovy? What was I, Austin Powers?

  The hint of a smirk tugged at the corners of Luke’s mouth.

  Okay, this isn’t at all awkward. Rolling my eyes, I slumped down on the hard, uncomfortable chair that was the only seat left since Luke and Ashley had taken up the remaining space on the sofa. Groaning under my breath, I glugged my gin, coughing as I took a bigger gulp than planned.

  “Looking cosy with my mate Bryan,” Luke said in a low voice, distractedly tracing patterns on his pint glass as Ashley turned away from him, chatting with Ethan. “Hoping to score with the rugby hero again?”

  “Rugby hero? What?” My voice, even to my own ears, sounded flustered, and I took a deep, calming breath. “Oh, Alex? No, I was being his wingwoman. He’s going for a touchdown with the lovely Sarah.”

  I pointed at the bar, then wrinkled my nose. “Touchdown? I’m not sure if that’s rugby terminology?” I mused to myself, catching Avery’s eye. She shrugged, her scrutinising gaze darting between me and Luke.

  “Anyway, I don’t think you’re going to see Alex again tonight.” I forced out a chuckle, raising my head and directing my comment to Avery, choosing not to interact with Luke anymore.

  Avery continued to look at me with an unreadable, faraway expression on her face, then seemed to shake herself out of wherever her mind had gone. “Knowing Alex like I do? I would expect nothing less from him, of course.” We both smirked and the awkwardness was forgotten for a moment. Forgotten, that is, until Ashley opened her mouth.

  “This was a great choice for our date, Luke.” She looked around the pub in appreciation. “I love the cosy atmosphere.” Luke turned to her with an easy smile, and the sight of that smile, directed at Ashley, made my breath catch in my throat.

  “Just going to the loos,” I mumbled to no one in particular, desperate to get away all of a sudden.

  I stared at myself in the mirror over the sink. My cheeks were flushed, and I had a wild look in my eyes. Calm down. Splashing cold water on my face, I closed my eyes and breathed deeply, then used a paper towel to pat my face dry. Okay. I could do this. Time to go back out there and act normal.

  Squaring my shoulders, I swung the door open and let out a squeak of fright. Luke stood leaning against the stone wall of the corridor, his arms folded, staring straight at me.

  “Davenport? What are you doing lurking outside the toilets? Shouldn’t you be with your date?” I snarled the word “date,” my stupid jealousy rearing its ugly head.

  “Jealous?” he drawled, raising an eyebrow.

  “Why on earth would I be jealous? I don’t like you,” I snapped, flustered. Why is he here?

  He pushed away from the wall, taking a step closer to me. I remained rooted to the spot, unable to move. He took another step, then another, until he was standing so close that I could feel his body heat. I closed my eyes, trying to block him out before I said, or even worse, did something I’d regret.

  “Guess what?” His voice was soft, menacing.

  “W-what?”

  I felt his hot breath in my ear and a shiver ran down my spine.

  “I don’t like you, either.”

  “Good,” I whispered, trying to appear unaffected by his proximity, my unsteady voice betraying me. I concentrated on breathing in and out, willing my heart rate to slow. Despite my eyes being squeezed shut, I was hyperaware of the scant few centimetres of space that separated us; if I moved even slightly my breasts would be brushing his chest. My traitorous nipples hardened in response to that thought. Fuck. I cracked one eye open just in time to see Luke glance down. Too afraid to meet his eyes I dropped my gaze, hearing him swallow hard. His fists clenched tightly, and he muttered under his breath, his words too quiet for me to catch. Abruptly, he moved away from me, turning on his heel and striding away without a backward glance.

  What just happened?

  I’d have liked nothing better than to walk straight out of the pub, but I’d left my bag and jacket with the others. Groaning aloud, I steeled myself and walked back into the main pub area. Time to face the music and pretend that Luke Davenport didn’t affect me in any way.

  Reaching the table, I didn’t dare to look in Luke and Ashley’s direction as I picked up my things. “Aves, I’m going to head home.”

  “No, Liv, I’ve hardly seen you,” she protested, frowning worriedly at me.

  “I’m tired. I didn’t sleep well last night. I’ll call you tomorrow,” I promised
her. “Bye, guys.”

  I waved and hurried out of the bar before anyone else had a chance to say anything.

  “Liv, wait!” Avery came rushing out of the door after me, panting as she caught up with me. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. I…” How could I explain it to her when I couldn’t even explain it to myself? Struggling to gather my thoughts, I tried again. “I’m not in a social mood anymore. I’m sorry.”

  “Is it Luke? We can go somewhere else. Or if you want time with me and you on our own, I can send Ethan home. He won’t mind.”

  “It’s fine, I promise. Let’s get together at the weekend, yeah? Maybe see if Eddie’s free?”

  She sighed. “There’s no changing your mind, is there?”

  I wrapped her up in a hug. “Not a chance, but thank you for caring. Love you.”

  “Love you, too. Text me when you get home, okay?” She stepped back and I nodded.

  “Will do.”

  I’d just run myself a bath when a text came through from Avery. I’d messaged her to let her know I was home safely, and she’d replied, but I hadn’t been expecting to hear from her again. Wiping my steamy phone screen, I stepped into the bath and placed my phone carefully on the wooden bath caddy shelf that sat above the water. I’d managed to drown my last phone, and my current phone was supposed to be waterproof, but I wasn’t about to take any risks.

  Avery: You sure you’re OK? I feel awful about earlier. I didn’t know Luke was going to turn up.

  Me: Aves it’s fine. They’re entitled to drink in a public establishment. I don’t have a problem with it, honest.

  I stopped to wipe my phone screen, which was steaming up again.

  Me: I like Ashley. She’s got questionable taste in men, haha, but she’s a nice girl.

  Avery: Remember you’re talking to your BFF. We don’t lie to each other.