Never Giving Up

Chapter 28

"I'm more than happy you're getting along," he defends, putting a forkful of rice into his mouth. He chews a few times and swallows. "Thank you. I know you don't need to befriend her just because of me, but I'm glad you're both getting along because you both like spending time together. It means a lot."

"She's very easy to get along with," I nod. I place my glass down and rest my elbows on the worktop then start eating my dinner. "We've spoken a lot and she's given me some good advice on how to handle our relationship when it comes to the paparazzi."

"Really? Do tell."

"If I did, what would-"

I stop mid-sentence at the sound of the front door opening and closing. Giggling overpowers my voice and I stare at the kitchen door, waiting patiently for the occupants who have entered my flat to make their appearance. In no time, the door opens and Allison stops short when she spots Luca and I, Greg coming to an abrupt halt behind her until he's pressed flush against her back.

"Oh, good evening." She acknowledges, her lips drawing in after she speaks. The hand she has on the door handle quickly removes itself from it and hides behind her back. "I-I thought you were staying at Luca's tonight."

"And why would I do that when this is my flat?"

"It's just-" She looks at Greg then back to me. "Fair point."

Silence.

I move only my eyes to look at Luca. He raises his brows then looks down at his food and continues to eat like there's nothing going on. I look back at Allison to see her hands clasp together over the strap of her shoulder bag. Greg's hands are running back and forth over her shoulders, looking anywhere but into the kitchen.

I raise my arm and rest my chin on the back of my hand. "So, what was your plan for tonight?"

"Huh?" Allison looks directly at me, eyes wide like I've caught her off-guard with something. "Nothing. Not important."

"You sure?"

"Positive."

I stare her down. "You really sure?"

"I . . ." She looks up at Greg and he signals for her to say something. "Actually . . ." She lets go of her bag and takes a single step forward so she's at arm's length from Greg. She holds her left hand up, the back of her hand facing me with her fingers spread. "I'm engaged."

"What?!?" I squeal, my arm slipping off the worktop and almost causing me to hit my face off the solid surface.

Luca starts coughing and I look at him. He sits his glass down after taking a few sips to try and help with his coughing.

"Sorry," he apologises. He coughs a few more times and holds a hand up as a silent way of saying he's alright. "It's just the shock. I'll be fine."

"You could at least say congratulations rather than acting stunned," Allison tells him.

"Oh, congratulations. Definitely. Your fiancé sure as hell is going to need it to be tied down to you for the rest of his life."

Allison huffs. "Really, Luca? If you ever get down on one knee and pop the question to Kaylee, I'll feel sorrier for her having to look at your mug every morning."

"Tell me something, Allison, but does your fiancé's house have enough room for you to park your broom?"

"If not, I can always park it at your house when Kaylee moves in with you. Hey, I'll even let you borrow it to do some housework for yourself instead of the crazy money you pay for housekeepers."