Chapter Fifty-Nine
Gabi
Friday night was Walker’s next night shift, and therefore Gabi’s first night back at home with Amber since the weekend.
When Walker had said he wanted to make the most of their last week together, he’d certainly meant it.
They hadn’t left each other’s side for days.
He’d driven her to physio, they’d had sex, they’d gone for coffee, they’d had sex, they’d watched a movie – and interrupted it with sex.
He’d turned her every which way and now she was home for a rest. It felt odd to put her hand out and not find him there beside her.
Instead, Amber was there, at the other end of the sofa, and Jayden was on the floor doing his homework and the radio was playing in the background.
‘Bet you’ll be glad to get your house back to yourselves,’ Gabi said, looking round the cosy room.
She noticed a new photo in the frame on the windowsill – a selfie that she and Jayden had taken at the park one afternoon after school.
She was grinning, Jayden’s face full of laughter, his eyes shut and mouth opened wide.
The frame was nestled next to a group photograph of Amber with Isabella, Rosie and Wren, gathered around a table sharing a bottle of wine.
The bookcase was overflowing with magazines Gabi had bought to flick through.
She had ‘her end’ of the sofa and a specific mug in the cupboard that she liked for her morning tea.
This house had turned into more than just a place to stay.
‘No way, I’m going to miss you.’ Amber threw a cushion her way. ‘It will take some getting used to, being on our own again.’ Gabi nodded, having been thinking just the same thing.
‘At least you won’t have to put up with my singing in the shower any more,’ Gabi joked.
‘True. And you won’t have to hang out with ten-year-olds any more . . .’ Amber laughed.
Gabi glanced at Jayden where he lay on the carpet, chin resting on his hands, fixated on his workbook, and realised, with a sharp pang, how much she would miss him too.
His endless energy, his cheeky smile, his sense of fashion.
Plus, he’d taught her basic sign language and shared some of his breakdancing choreography with her.
Skills that surely could come in handy, especially in her line of work.
‘Believe me, Jayden’s been the highlight of my day more times than you know!’ Gabi said. ‘I’m really going to miss you guys too,’ she said.
‘But America awaits you,’ Amber said. ‘Whereas here, the only thing waiting for me is the washing-up.’
Gabi threw the cushion back.
‘I’ll do it, it’s the least I can do,’ she said.
The now very familiar introduction to Alex’s song started on the radio and Amber gritted her teeth and groaned out loud. She jumped up from the sofa and stamped across the room to change the station, cutting Alex off rudely before he got halfway through the first line. Gabi laughed.
‘Personally, I think it’s quite catchy.’ Gabi began to sing the chorus, ‘You might not hear these words, but you know what I’m saying . . .’
Amber put her fingers in her ears and stuck her tongue out. Gabi continued, ‘You’re deep in my heart and that’s where you’re staying.’ Amber threw the cushion at her head.
‘Seriously, though.’ Gabi giggled as she caught the cushion. ‘Maybe you should hear Alex out. You might be lonely when I’m gone.’
Amber snorted. ‘No way.’
Gabi hesitated, hugging the cushion to her chest as she thought about what Walker had told her.
But that was a conversation between him and Alex.
Was it her place to pass it on? Seeing now how stubborn Amber was being about Alex, Gabi realised it could be the turning point to get them back together.
‘Walker told me something, Amber,’ she said decisively. ‘Alex only left you to keep you safe. Because the gangsters he owed money to had tracked him down, and he wanted to put distance between them and you.’
She held Amber’s eye and saw the knowledge land. Amber pressed her lips together and Gabi held her breath.
‘Still left me without a word, though, didn’t he? And after Jayden told him he loved him. How could he leave like that?’
‘He did what he did for you. And Jayden. He put your safety first.’
‘Jayden deserves someone who he can rely on. And until I find that – and see it for myself – then it’s a no from me,’ she said firmly. ‘However much I think Alex Martin could be my next big thing, I can’t build a future with him.’
Gabi sighed. It was a shame, but it didn’t look like anything would alter the situation.
‘Anyway, enough about me.’ Amber changed the subject. ‘What’s going on with you and Walker?’
‘I think I’m going to miss Walker more than anyone,’ she said and watched Amber’s eyes widen. ‘I’m sitting here tonight, and I’ve thought about him every minute since he went to work.’ Amber considered that for a moment.
‘I’m so sorry. That’s a tough one. But maybe you’ll get used to being on your own again, after a while,’ she said.
‘That worries me too,’ Gabi sighed. ‘I’ve always been so independent, just doing my own thing without any thought for anyone. What if I slip back into bad habits?’
‘So, you’re scared you’re going to miss him too much and you’re frightened you’re not going to miss him enough,’ Amber said.
‘That about sums it up.’ Gabi gnawed at her lip. ‘I feel so torn. I never expected to catch feelings.’
Amber met her gaze. ‘Could you not just see how it goes? Maybe try long distance?’
Gabi wrinkled her nose. ‘Our lives are just so different. Even when I’m in the UK, I’m not normally in Honeybridge . . .’
‘There’s always a room for you here,’ Amber said, and Gabi felt a surge of love for her. She blinked back unexpected tears. God, she was all over the place.
‘Thank you,’ she said. ‘I’ll be fine when I’m gone. I always am.’
‘Maybe you should follow your heart,’ Amber said, her big blue eyes serious now. ‘Seems such a shame . . .’
‘Don’t worry about my heart,’ Gabi said, pulling herself together and squeezing Amber’s hand. ‘Walker was always meant to be a holiday fling, and I’ve still got until this weekend to make some hot memories.’
‘You need to make the most of every minute,’ Amber said before picking up her phone. ‘Right, talking of the weekend, let’s get your leaving do sorted.’
Girl Gang WhatsApp group
Amber: Goodbye Gabi party at ours on Saturday afternoon. Kids welcome.
Wren: We’ll be there!
Isabella: Wouldn’t miss it.
Amber: Bring booze.
Isabella: And tissues. I’m going to miss you, Gabi!
Gabi: I’m going to miss you girls too. See you Saturday.