Kill of the night

Chapter 9

April 18th
Melbourne

"You can go, Jo" Claire says as I step behind the counter again.

"Are you sure, Claire? It's really no problem"

About 15 minutes ago, she said I could leave but I haven't completed my normal hours of work. I texted Victoria to come anyway just in case.

"That was not a question, missy. Go I'm gonna close soon too so"

"Oh why? Is everything ok?" I don't mean to sound noisy, I'm just concerned.

Claire is my boss but is also an amazing friend.

"Everything is fine honey, there's just a family dinner tonight at my house, so I need to prepare for lots of guests" She is extremely excited.

I smile sympathetically "Downside of a big family" I joke. I never really had big fancy dinners but I never minded either.

"Oh I'm sorry if-"

"Claire it's totally fine, don't panic on me, enjoy the dinner and don't tire yourself to much" I point a strict finger at her.

"I won't. See you tomorrow honey" She waves and blows me a kiss.

As I step outside, I see Victoria's car on the other side of the road. She is distracted on her phone and doesn't see me approaching, so when I knock on her window she jumps. Unlocking the doors, I get into the passenger side "Jesus, you scared the living shit out of me, girl"

"If you weren't texting Luka constantly you would have seen me"

"Oh shut it, why the hell are you leaving earlier anyway?"

"Some family dinner, stop asking questions and start the car" Grumpily, she starts driving to our apartment, but instead of keeping quiet, like I politely asked her, she decides to ask more questions.

"How's loverboy?"

"Who?"

"You know who, don't play dumb with me?" She's talking about Harry.

Ever since that night when I slept at his house, we've grown closer. Two weeks of rebounding like I promised hi, and I have to admit, not thinking about the past really helps. He spent his mornings at my coffee shop with one of his friends, either Nico or Jordan. He was never alone, but I know he was only there to see me.

Every day he went up to the counter, ordered and proceeded to make conversation. He came with friends, but he sat with me throughout my whole shift. We texted and FaceTimed. I had some really good laughs remembering all the shit we did as teenagers. Never once did I think about the leaving part. Somehow he made me forget.

"I don't know, haven't talked to him today" She nods and turns the radio up.

Not long after, we get to our building, we exit the car and as expected before we enter, Victoria stops me. "Can you go in first?" She bites her nail, squinting at me.

"This again, Vicky" I throw my head back, exhausted.

"Come on, I'm your best friend, aren't I?"