Chapter 24 Missed Calls
Missed calls
I could seriously get used to waking up in this room. The bed Lucas has in my room is so comfortable.
Gizmo has adjusted well too. She already loves Lucas, she tries to climb on his lap every time he sits down. And girl. I get it. I’d like to sit in that lap too.
I haven’t been alone with Lucas since the other night. I don’t know if it’s a good thing or a bad thing. Every time he’s around, I want to be near him. But I know I shouldn’t.
I’ve only got a half day at work today, so I invited Danielle over for a swim and dinner this arvo. I love cooking, it makes me happy when I’ve got people to cook for.
I’ve learned by now that mornings here are always quiet. The boys head out super early, so the house is all mine.
Fresh from my shower, I’m wearing just my white bra and underwear. I head to the kitchen to make breakfast.
I’ve barely grabbed the pan when I hear the front door open.
Footsteps. I freeze.
Lucas walks in, eyes down, glued to his phone. He looks up, startled when he notices me.
“Hi,” my voice calm despite the fact that I’m standing here nearly naked.
He looks me up and down, something unreadable in his expression.
“Uh—hey. Sorry if I scared you,” His fists are clenched, like he’s holding himself back. I kind of wish he wouldn’t. “Just had to grab something from my office.”
His eyes linger over my body, and I remember he has seen me naked before. I squeeze my thighs thinking about the last time and how much I’d like to do that again. I bite my lip.
Then in walks Tyler. “Come on, Lucas did you get it?” His eyes widen in surprise when he sees me half-dressed in the kitchen.
Without a word, I turn and hurry back to my room to change, feeling awkward and exposed. By the time I’ve pulled on my black high-waisted jeans and work shirt, they’re gone.
I don’t know why it felt so awkward. They’ve seen that much of my skin when I wear my bikini.
My phone buzzes.
Danielle: See you this arvo girl! <3
Me: Can’t wait :)
I blast some Sabrina Carpenter and Gracie Abrams through my car speakers on the way to work.
When I pull into the car park, I spot Sarah heading in too. Today is going to be a good day.
“Hey! How are you?” I greet her with a quick hug.
“I’m good. Just dropped Georgia off for her first day, and honestly, I feel sick,” she admits. “I know it’s the first day for a lot of them, but I’m so nervous for her. It’s a new town and a new school. I just wish she knew someone. But she’s brave. I’ve got to remind myself that she’s got this.”
“Aww, Mumma bear. I don’t think you’ll ever stop worrying, it just shows what a great mum you are. A clean slate might be exactly what she needs. She gets to choose who she wants to be here.”
“Thanks,” she says with a soft smile. “You’re right. I just have to hope she makes good choices. Either way, I’ll be there for her.” As we walk inside, Rhonda looks frazzled at the front desk.
“Oh, thank God you’re here! Sandy and Louise both called in sick,” her eyes wide looking between us. “Sandy didn’t have any clients, but Louise had a full day. Sarah, do you know how to do perms?”
“Yep, I can perm. I’d love to help,” Sarah says with genuine excitement. It’s the perfect chance to show Rhonda what she’s made of.
“Great. Thank you! Well, I’ll leave you ladies to it then” Rhonda grabs her bag and bolts.
“Well, looks like it’s just us,” I say to Sarah.
“Do they do this a lot?”
“All the time. They complain when they don’t have enough clients, but then cancel whenever it suits them.
No wonder they can’t keep anyone coming back,” I try not to sound too bitchy.
But honestly, I’m over it. I saw them tagged in a photo on Facebook late last night doing shots—Tequila Tuesday at the Mexican joint. Definitely not sick.
“Well, their loss is my gain. I actually like doing perms,” Sarah says cheerfully.
“Great, because I hate them,” I laugh. “I’m all about lived-in colours. Something low-maintenance but beautiful. I’ll do almost anything, except a perm.”
She laughs. “I’m happy to do them all for you! Let’s get started.”
We set up for the day and blast a pop playlist, no Rhonda, Sandy or Louise, means we get to control the vibe.
The day flies by, especially since it’s a short day today.
After we finish our last client, we have a debrief.
“All your clients rebooked with you!” I tell her. “That never happens with them normally. And I’ve never seen Cheryl talk that much.”
Sarah beams. “I know! They said it’s the best their hair’s ever looked. I forgot how much I missed this. I didn’t work when I was married, my husband didn’t like me being away. But I love this. Thank you for the colour advice for Fiona too, it turned out amazing!”
Husband? I’m so curious, but I’m quickly learning it’s better not to pry when it comes to Sarah. So I ignore the husband comment, she’ll tell me about it at some stage I’m sure.
“I’m so glad you’re back doing what you love. You’re really good at it. I think we make a great team.” She hugs me tightly. Even though we have an age gap, I can tell we’re going to be good friends.
Out back, I grab my phone from my handbag and my stomach drops when I see the notifications.
Twenty missed calls. Six texts.
All from Sean.
Sean: I miss you.
Sean: Please, we can make this work.
Sean: What the fuck is wrong with you Camille? You shouldn’t give up on me so easily.
Sean: I can’t live without you Camille.
Sean: Please come back.
Sean: Fuck you, you fucking slut.
I don’t even want to listen to the voicemails.
“Everything okay?” Sarah asks, noticing the look on my face.
“Yeah… it’s just Sean. My ex. We broke up a couple weeks ago. He didn’t take it well. Last time I saw him, he got a bit… unhinged.”
“I’m sorry. I know what it’s like to deal with crazy exes. Can I give you some advice, babe? No matter how much you love someone, no matter how hard you try, you can’t make the wrong person the right one.” Her hug is warm and solid.
“Thank you. I really needed to hear that. I think I need to block him. There’s no reasoning with him anymore. And these messages… it’s just shit.”
“Block him. Trust me. Sometimes walking away for good is the only thing you can do.” We finish cleaning in silence. As I get in my car, another message lights up the screen.
Sean: I regret every second I spent with you. I never loved you! I hope you know it was more than strippers, I fucked someone new every chance I could. I FUCKING HATE YOU Camille!
Sticks and stones Camille. Sticks and stones.
Sean’s always known how to say the exact thing to hurt me. But I will not allow his words to have power over me anymore. I block him.
Before I start driving, I send Danielle a quick message and turn on a mix of Lewis Capaldi and Dermot Kennedy for the drive home.
Me: I’m on my way. I’ll meet you there xx