Free Driving Me to Christmas (London Loves Book 5) by Julie Farrell Page B

parents were nice enough. She’d just been feeling tired, cold, and grumpy earlier. But an orgasm from Verlaine had enabled her to put her rose-tinted glasses back on. He made her world shine with freedom and purity.
    She struggled out of the undone negligee – knowing it had now served its purpose – then she tugged the snuggly duvet over her, looking forward a nice cup of tea and some more loving when he returned.
    She listened to the silence. She could vaguely hear the sound of the sea crashing against the rocks in the distance. And, nearer by, there was a bird chirping sweetly, which soothed Sam’s soul like summertime. Her muscles relaxed, allowing the pillow to support her. Maybe she could have a little snooze until Verlaine came back.
    A soft knock at the door dragged her back to reality.
    Sam chuckled. “Verlaine, you don’t need to knock!”
    The door was pushed open from the landing, and Sam automatically let the duvet drop, knowing her naked upper-body was appealing to her man. She opened her mouth to welcome him back, but her heart squeezed tightly as she saw Rebecca strolling in.
    Sam drew the duvet up to her chin.
    Rebecca threw her a syrupy smile. “Hi, Sam.”
    “Hi,” Sam said. “Where’s Verlaine?”
    “He’s downstairs chatting with his parents and my mom. And Scott and Paul.”
    The room melted around Sam as she suddenly realised what Rebecca was implying. “You guys didn’t go out?”
    Rebecca sat down on the bed. “I made you a cup of tea. Verlaine said I should pop up and check you were okay. He’s down there defending you now.”
    “Oh my god. Everyone heard me?”
    Rebecca nodded. “It was nice to hear you enjoying yourself. But yes… unfortunately now Patty and Jim think you lied about your headache. Obviously I don’t think you lied – I totally understand. You were just tired and then things happened. I stuck up for you – I want you to know that.”
    “Did you?”
    “Sure. I know this is an incredibly embarrassing situation for you. You must be feeling real awkward right now.”
    “God. I guess I’d better come down and apologise, then, hadn’t I?”
    “Maybe it’s best not to say anything. Verlaine’s parents are quite embarrassed, and they’re the ‘least said soonest mended type’. I know them very well.”
    “Really? You think they’d prefer to just not mention it?”
    “I sure do.” Rebecca passed her the mug of tea. “Here, this is for you.”
    Sam gazed at the steaming beige liquid. A good cuppa could solve most things, but she somehow didn’t like the idea of brushing all this under the carpet. Surely she should speak to Patty and Jim about this – like the adults they all were. She opened her mouth to suggest this, but Rebecca reached out and gently squeezed Sam’s bare shoulder with her immaculately manicured fingers. Sam drew the duvet up further.
    Rebecca smiled kindly. “You know what, Sam, I’m so glad you’re here. You seem so easy to talk to. Don’t tell, but I get weary of talking cars with Jim sometimes!”
    Sam chuckled. “I know what you mean – my eyes glaze over at the mention of cars! But you really seem to know your stuff.”
    “Oh, I do like cars, but there are much better things to talk about, right!”
    “Yeah.” Sam sipped her tea. “Thanks for this cuppa. It’s perfect – exactly how I take it.”
    “Oh, how lucky!”
    “Yeah, you’re a natural-born tea maker!”
    They smiled into each other’s eyes. Sam relaxed and allowed herself to sink into Rebecca’s affectionate gesture. She pushed herself to be brave. “Listen, Rebecca, I was really sorry to hear about your dad. I’ve lost both my parents, so I know what you’re going through. If you need someone to talk to, please just feel free.”
    Tears welled in Rebecca’s eyes. “Thank you, Sam. I miss him so much. And I’m getting divorced, too! I wonder what else can go wrong!”
    “Well, what I’ve learnt is that there will always be problems in life, but