Amber lifted her head, looking at Aidan with tear-filled eyes. "What is is? What's wrong?" Aidan asked, gripping her shoulder. "Finding the key doesn't matter," she said, her voice breaking, "It's my ex's flat. He's probably changed the locks already. It's hopeless." "No, sweetie, stop that," Aidan said, tilting her head up with his fingertips gently after she had dropped her head back down, "This will all get sorted out, okay? I'm invested in this now. I will help you until I know that you're okay." Amber looked up at him with hope and amazement, still trying to manage her sobs. Everything was just so stressful. She let her head fall against Aidan's chest, fully expecting him to back away as she did. Much to her surprise, however, he wrapped his arms around her and held her closer, resting his cheek against the top of her head.
"Hey, if you aren't gonna order a pint, then I suggest you get out," the bartender hollered after a few minutes. Aidan released Amber quickly and stood up, brushing down his shirt and clearing his throat. "Yes, right, sorry," he said, turning and offering his hand to Amber. She accepted and he pulled her up, and she took a moment to compose herself before heading for the door. As the two of them stepped outside, Aidan slowly and meticulously laced his fingers with Amber's and she didn't pull away. He sighed silently with relief as the two of them headed back towards his car.
