Olivia #2
‘I know it’s not my job to tell you how to live your life, but maybe …’ He shrugged, clearly choosing his words with care. ‘Maybe try and be a little kinder to them in the future. It’s not their fault they aren’t as put together or as brilliant as you are.’
Olivia, once again, was rendered speechless by her brother. Since when had he become so wise? So emotionally attuned? And so … right
.
‘Anyway, Kate tells me you’ve met some annoying guy out there, who you hated but he’s kind of your friend now? Why don’t you message him?’
Kyle had changed the subject so fast that Olivia felt a little whiplashed.
‘Excuse me?’
‘She said his name was … John something? Or James maybe?’
‘His name is beside the point. What the hell
are you doing talking to Kate?’
And why the hell is she telling you about Jacob?
‘I needed an update for the parents, and I was worried about you and wanted to see if she’d heard anything. I know you like to be left alone and I didn’t want to keep bothering you, so I messaged her. No big deal.’
Except it felt like a big deal. A very big deal. The fact that her brother and her best friend were exchanging messages about her behind her back went against the most basic and fundamental of friendship codes.
‘Right, well in future just WhatsApp me, OK?’
‘Fine, but stop deflecting.’ Kyle’s eyes narrowed. ‘Who is he?’
Nobody. Let’s face it, he’s nobody.
‘His name is Jacob, and he isn’t in Jaipur.’
‘That’s annoying. And there isn’t anyone else?’
‘Not really, unless you count a fifty-plus northern woman called Tracey, who is about as graceful as a lump of coal.’
‘She sounds great.’ Kyle brightened. ‘Why don’t you call her?’
‘Maybe.’
‘Look, Liv, she may not be your ideal person, and on the surface she may seem a little rough around the edges—’
‘A little
,’ she murmured cruelly, under her breath.
‘But right now, you need some company. So, if I were you, I’d stop being so judgemental and give the woman a call.’
‘I’m not being judgemental. She’s probably busy.’
‘But you won’t know until you try, will you?’
Olivia scowled; maybe this new version of Kyle was less
desirable than she first thought. Sweet and emotionally intelligent she could deal with, but righteous and highly annoying? Those were characteristics she could do without.
‘Fine, but if I’m going to do that, I need to get off the phone and shower.’
‘That’s the spirit! Now, I’ll speak to you in a couple of days and see how you’re doing, all right? And if you need anything in the meantime, call me.’
A little warmth bloomed in her chest.
‘All right. I’ll speak to you soon.’
‘Bye, Sis! And remember … Call. Your. Friend!’
‘FINE!’ she shouted at a blank screen. Kyle had hung up and all she could see was her sorry reflection mirrored back at her. ‘Fine …’ She scrolled through to her contacts and found the name she had been so keenly avoiding for the past few days.
One click, three rings and the loudest hello she’d ever experienced.
‘Livvo! My girl! How are you doing? Jesus, you don’t know how great it is to hear from you, I was starting to worry. Thought something might have happened to you.’
‘Ah, that’s the thing—’
‘You know, maybe you’d eaten something dodgy and got sick, but then I remembered, not our Liv.
She’s a sensible one. She wouldn’t risk anything more exciting than a cheese omelette!
Then I thought maybe you were just ignoring me.
Giving me the old silent treatment,’ Tracey continued, Olivia’s input apparently surplus to requirements.
‘What is it they call it these days? Ghouling? Or ghosting, is it? But then I didn’t think you were the type.
’ She paused and took a long inhale. ‘So, what’s been going on? Where have you been hiding?’
‘Well, funnily enough …’ Olivia winced. ‘I did get sick, from some very
dodgy food.’
‘Get away with you. You’re joking?’
‘Unfortunately, I’m not.’
‘Jesus, I knew I was many things, but psychic was not one of them. Are you OK now? How long were you out for? Have you seen a doctor?’
‘It was last night, but I’m fine. I feel fine now.’
‘You sound tired. Have you eaten anything since?’
Tracey and her twenty questions were suddenly making Olivia feel rather nauseous again.
‘No, not yet. It’s why I called, actually.’
And now wish I hadn’t.
‘I was wondering if you were around for a tea or a walk or to grab something to eat.’
‘Hell no!’ Tracey roared. ‘There’s no way you’re going anywhere, my girl. Not after a Delhi belly situation. You do need food, but also fluids and a whole lot of rest. What’s the name of your hotel? I’ll come over right away.’
‘You don’t have to do that.’
‘I know, but I’m going to.’
‘Are you sure? You really don’t need to.’
‘I know. What’s your hotel called?’
‘But honestly, Trac—’
‘Liv
.’ Tracey dropped her voice. ‘Quit arguing with me, and just give me the name of your bloody hotel!’
Olivia knew she had two choices. Hang up and run, or admit defeat.
‘It’s the All Seasons homestay.’
‘Thank you. Now, sit tight and I’ll be with you in two shakes of a lamb’s tail.’