Fracture

CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR

☆ ♫ Patrick ♫ ☆

"Hey stranger!" I heard Claire call out as I pushed open the door to the coffee shop.

When my eyes met the table that consisted of Lizzie, Claire and Shannon I casually strolled over, trying to not make it obvious that I was disappointed by the lack of Scarlett.

"I feel like we haven't seen you in forever," Claire grinned at me.

"You saw me at school yesterday," I smiled, wishing I could disappear.

Since Gibsie and I's big throw down on the pitch, I had yet to see anyone. I had assumed they'd all taken their respective sides, and I didn't want to be in the middle of it.

But by the way Claire was smiling at me, I wasn't sure she even knew what had happened.

"But you haven't been over to the house lately," She shrugged.

"Yeah, sorry about that. It's been manic on the farm," I explained, slightly lying, "Hey, Shan. Liz."

"Hi, Feely," Shan gave me a smile.

"Patrick," Lizzie nodded her head.

"You look good, Pa," Claire waggled her brows at me, "Super handsome."

What in the fuck was going on.

"Jesus," Lizzie rolled her eyes, "Again with the word 'super', Claire?"

"What?" She held her hands up in surrender, "He does."

"Thanks," I chuckled, feeling shy, "Want anything from the counter, girls?"

"Nah, we're good," Claire smiled as I took off towards the till.

I had not a clue what was going on. I had figured Scarlett would've told Claire all about how much of an asshole I was, but it seemed like she hadn't.

And I was surprised Gibs hadn't either, but maybe he wanted to protect his sister's secret.

I had tried to text Scarlett a few times since that day but it had been radio silence, not that I could blame her.

I fucked up.
Bad.

To the point I thought it might be beyond repair. I had been kicking myself since.

I was actually here to meet Gibs, to hopefully try and apologize for not telling him about Scarlett.

Collecting my order from the counter, I strolled back towards the girls table. I slid into the seat next to Shannon.

"Hi Patrick," Claire grinned again.

"Ladies," I gave them a nod.

"So, who's the other drink for?" Lizzie asked as she pointed to the spare can I had placed on the table, "Or are you parched with thirst?"

I opened my mouth to answer when the café door flung open and Gibsie stepped inside.

With Scarlett trailing behind him.