Chapter 29
Kaden
The Volkswagen Amarok cruises along the highway like skates gliding over thick ice, its powerful engine roaring as I push harder on the accelerator. The sound reverberates through the vehicle, sending a thrill deep into my bones, and I can’t stop the smile that spreads across my face.
I’m on my way to Jason’s restaurant to show him my shiny new toy after finally trading in my Mercedes for a utility vehicle.
I’d grown tired of having to borrow Jason’s truck every time I needed to pick up large pieces of wood for my side projects, and if I’m being honest, I think Jason was getting sick of it too.
It was an easy trade. The Merc was still in excellent condition, and as much as I loved that car, it no longer suited me, or the life I’m living now.
Out with the old, in with the new, I told myself as I handed the keys over to the salesman at the dealership.
Even though it held years of fond memories, some beautiful, some bittersweet, it also carried reminders of a time when everything fell apart. Letting it go felt like closing a door I’d been standing in for far too long.
Like my apartment, this new car represents change, a new beginning, one built on the hope that the road ahead won’t look anything like the one behind me.
I finally arrive at Hawkins Bar and Grill, parking at my usual spot, a short stroll away from the entrance. Turning off the ignition, I breathe in that fresh new car smell once more, then slide out of the driver’s seat.
The restaurant is already buzzing when I step inside, filled with families and couples enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon. There’s something about the middle of spring that draws people out after months of being cooped up indoors, all of us eager to soak up the change in the air.
Gemma is sitting at the bar, chatting with a young female bartender.
She doesn’t work here anymore, but now that she and Chris are officially dating, she sometimes stops by just to keep him company while he’s on shift.
For two people who once swore off commitment, they’ve certainly found themselves in one now.
“Hey, Gemma.”
She spins around and smiles when she sees me. “Hey. Kaden. What brings you here today?”
“Just paying Jason a visit. You wouldn’t happen to know where he is by any chance?”
“He’s in his office with Chris and a few other people I believe.”
“Perfect! Thanks, Gem.”
“Hey, if you’re free next weekend, Chris and I are having a housewarming party.
Well, more like a get together with some friends.
Jason will be there. Apparently, Mila forced him to go because he hasn’t had a night out with friends in a while.
She feels bad and has offered to mind the kids while he enjoys a night out to himself. ”
“Yeah, that sounds good. Count me in.”
“Great! It starts at eight. You know the address, right?”
“No, but if I’m going with Jase, he’ll just tell me.”
“Okay, cool. Well, it’s great seeing you again, Kaden.”
“You too, Gem. Enjoy the rest of your day.”
“Same to you.”
I make my way to Jason’s office, eager to show him my new car. As I near the door, I instantly hear a few muffled voices and laughter drifting from the other side. It doesn’t sound like an important work meeting, and being a Sunday, I highly doubt it is.
I don’t bother to knock. We’ve always had the kind of friendship where we walk into each other’s homes or workplaces without formalities. However, since Mila moved in with Jason, I usually give him a heads-up to make sure I’m not intruding on their time.
I open the door, barely able to contain my excitement—until the sight before me stops me dead in my tracks. The room instantly falls silent, and all eyes turn my way. But there’s only one person my gaze locks onto.
And she’s staring back at me, with a shocked look in her expression.
Skylar is on the sofa, sitting on Heath’s lap, with Chris beside them.
Mila is perched on the edge of Jason’s desk, legs crossed over and facing towards her sister.
And right at the centre of them all, is my best friend, Jason, who quickly straightens from his chair, eyes wide, like a deer caught in the headlights.
“Fuck,” I mutter under my breath, my mind screaming at me to run, but my body is glued to the spot, completely frozen.
Jason is up on his feet, so fast, the chair slides back and hits the wall.
“Kaden. Hey, what’s going on?”
“Shit, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know you had company, otherwise, I would’ve called. I should’ve called first.”
“That’s okay. Um… Skylar and Heath are in town visiting family and friends. We were just about to head out.”
I glance over at my ex-wife and her new husband, and they look back at me with identical expressions—a mix of surprise and wariness.
“Hey.” That single word lodges in my throat, heavy and obstructive, as if something were physically choking the life out of me, making every breath painful and uncomfortable.
“Hello, Kaden.”
It’s her that responds. Her voice—still that same sweet sound I loved listening to for a whole decade—yet haven’t heard in over two years.
Heath’s hand moves to her stomach, holding it protectively, and that’s when I see it. A bump. A very noticeable bump. I’m no expert on pregnancy, but by the look of her, she has to be around six or seven months along.
I try to inhale through my nose, but it feels like my airways are constricting.
I thought I could do this. I thought I could see her again without feeling like a hundred daggers were piercing right through my heart.
Enough time has passed since I last saw them, but the ache in my chest hasn’t gone away, just dulled slightly.
“Congratulations to you both.” I force the words out, even though it sounds strained.
Skylar offers a brief, tight smile and murmurs her thanks, while Heath merely nods in silent acknowledgment, his distaste for me as evident as ever.
This whole scene is painfully awkward and uncomfortable, no one sure what to say or do. And I’m absolutely certain my presence here is only making things worse.
I feel like an outsider, someone completely out of place. I need to get out, now!
I clear my throat, and glance back at Jason, who looks so nervous and anxious right now, I’m afraid he’s going to faint.
“I’ll just call you later, when you’re not too busy.”
He starts to move towards me, but I quickly stop him.
“It’s okay, Jase. You have guests. What I came here for is nothing urgent. I’ll give you a call another time.”
His expression falls, pity and sadness carving themselves into his hard features.
Before he can speak again, I quickly turn on my heel and walk out of the room, the door clicking softly behind me. I rush towards the exit, praying Jason or Chris don’t follow. I can’t talk to them—not like this. I’m too much of a fucking mess right now.
I’m seconds away from reaching the exit door, when I hear someone call out my name from behind me.
When I spin around, I immediately spot Zac heading my way, and following closely behind, is his mother, Hope.
Zac launches himself into my arms in a giant hug, a gesture I suspect will become a regular thing whenever we see each other. Something about it eases the tension and anxiety that’s been churning inside me ever since I walked into Jason’s office.
“What are you guys doing here?” I ask.
“We just finished lunch, actually. We’re on our way to the park now. What about you?” Hope replies.
“I was just here to see Jason, but he’s a little busy at the moment. I got a new truck this morning, and wanted to show him.”
“Wait, you sold your Merc?”
I chuckle softly. “I traded it in. I needed a vehicle that could haul wood from place to place, and well, the Merc, just wasn’t up to the job.”
“A truck suits you more. You’ve got that sexy tradie look about you.” She gives me a cheeky wink, and the grin that follows sends heat pooling low in my belly.
Well, there are worse ways to be distracted from the uncomfortable encounter with my ex-wife just minutes earlier.
As if I’ve summoned her out of thin air, I hear her laugh before I see her—bright and unmistakable—as she rounds the corner that led to Jason’s office with the rest of the group, heading straight for the bar.
Heath’s arm is draped around her shoulders, hers looped securely around his waist.
It’s still strange to see her with him, even though years have passed since she left me and is now married to someone new. I never imagined, not even once, that another man would be the one holding her, the one who would give her the family she’s always wanted.
Heath’s hand is always on her somewhere, not possessive, but instinctive, as if he needs to keep her safe and close at all times. I recognise it instantly.
That was me for so many years whenever she was near.
“Is she someone you know?”
At the sound of her voice, I flick my gaze back to Hope, only to find her staring at Skylar.
“Yes...she’s my ex.” I admit, solemnly.
She was my first love, my best friend—my whole world, before I betrayed her and fucked everything up.
Those are the words I should be saying. The only truth I should be confessing. But they remain trapped inside me, caught deep in my throat, too painful to speak out loud.
“She’s gorgeous,” she says, her eyes still locked on my ex-wife.
“She is, and she’s a good person, too.”
“Is that her husband?”
I steal a quick glance at Heath, then turn away, the sight of him kissing her, even if only on the temple, is just too much to bear.
I nod, wordlessly, unable to speak all of a sudden. Hope seems to sense my struggle and thankfully, steers the conversation elsewhere.
“What have you got planned for the rest of the day?”
“I was going to work on a bespoke design for a client. But I’m kind of not in the right headspace right now. So, I’ll most likely sit in front of the TV all day.”
“I can’t think of anything more depressing. Why don’t you hang out with us? You always work too hard. You could probably use a break.”