Chapter Two #2
‘Of course. Why wouldn’t I?’ His fingers cover mine and even though I’m fighting an instinct to pull away, my insides warm.
We’re venturing into unknown territory here, taking our relationship beyond its booty call status, but I think I like it, or maybe I think I should like it. I’m not sure which.
There’s a pause as our eyes lock and I can see him taking in every detail of my face.
When I still haven’t answered, he breaks eye contact and takes a quick glance up at the driftwood clock on the wall. ‘I’ll get going. It was only supposed to be a flying visit.’
‘Thanks for caring.’ It sounds awkward, but my words are sincere. ‘You don’t have to help if you’re too busy, though.’
‘Never too busy for you.’ He smiles as if he’s about to continue, but hesitates and instead pulls at his already loosened tie.
I hold my breath. I think I know what he’s about to ask me.
Last week I wouldn’t have been ready. But my encounter with Jackson has shone an undeniable light on the fact I need to move on.
I’ve let his ghost ruin my dating life for far too long and it’s time I let go of my guilt and take control of my own happiness.
I tilt my head up to Greg’s and hold his eye contact, in my head practising my response to him asking me out. I’d love to. What took you so long to ask?
The silence between us grows uncomfortable. With a jerk, Greg grabs his coffee and gives me another sparkly smile, and I’m crushed when he leaves without uttering another word.
The rest of the afternoon is predictably quiet. I’ve closed up and am sitting at one of my picnic tables mulling over Greg’s notes when Reeni walks over.
‘Hey. No Olly?’
‘Aaron got home from the hospice early, so I’ve left Olly with him to feed and bath,’ she says sitting opposite me.
‘Hospice?’
‘He’s started helping out. They’re organising a fundraiser and he wants to be involved.’
‘He’s a goodun.’ I smile at her, but she doesn’t smile back. I push my pad to one side. ‘What’s up?’
‘I got my period.’ Reeni presses the heels of her hands into her eyes. ‘I really thought this month was going to be it. I was five days late.’
‘Oh, Reens.’ Reeni’s family means so much to me that her news hurts. I pull her into a hug. ‘I’m so sorry.’
She leans into me and gives a tiny, hiccupy sob.
‘It will happen. And you know if it doesn’t, look at what you do have,’ I say.
‘Mum keeps saying that. I know you’re both right, but I’m sick of trying to look on the bright side.
I love my family, but I so want Olly to have a brother or sister.
And I want another baby. Is that too much to ask?
’ She scrubs at her face. ‘Everyone else gets pregnant at the drop of a hat. What’s wrong with me this time? ’
Her words stall my breath for a second. Not all of us wanted to get pregnant at the drop of a hat. Seeing how emotional Reeni is makes me feel even more ashamed of what happened to me, but it doesn’t stop me wishing my best friend could get pregnant.
‘I’m doing everything I’m supposed to. Charting my cycle, taking my temperature and watching what I eat and drink. We’re having so much sex, I think Aaron’s sick of it.’ She winces.
‘I’m sure he doesn’t mind.’ I wink, trying to lighten the conversation.
She ignores me. ‘I wanted him to start coming home in his lunch hour, but something always seems to come up.’
I tilt my head to catch her eye. ‘He can’t leave the hospital, even if he wanted to. You know that.’
Reeni takes a large breath and her shoulders shudder. ‘I know.’ She gives her head a shake, as if to dislodge her thoughts. ‘Enough about me. I’ll be good. There’s always next month. Right?’
‘Of course. Try and relax.’ I wince as I say this, hoping she won’t think I’m being flippant.
‘Hmm.’ Reeni doesn’t sound convinced. ‘Whatever.’ She’s obviously had enough of my advice and, unlike me, can flip her mood much like Olly does. She leans across the table, reaching for the leaflet Greg brainstormed on.
‘Are you making a list for your parents’ anniversary tea?’
‘No. Greg was trying to think of ideas to save the café.’
‘It’s no busier then? Shit. I know that café on the green is still teeming with people.’
I scowl. If one more person tells me how wonderful that bloody camper van is, I’ll scream.
Reeni runs her finger down Greg’s action plan. ‘Why didn’t you tell me?’
‘I thought I could sort it. But I can’t,’ I say, picking at the thumb cuticle I was biting earlier. ‘I don’t know how much longer I can keep going. If the Camper Café grabs all the limelight and customers, it’ll kill me. I’ll lose my home and the café.’
Reeni glares at me. ‘You should have asked for help. What else am I here for? You’re always there for me.’ She takes another look at the back of the leaflet.
‘What do you think?’
‘Competition sounds like a great idea, and I can help with the social media stuff. I know you hate all that.’
I have one other idea which has been growing like a seedling invading my head, but I’m not sure if it’s stupid.
‘What do you think about me complaining to the council?’ I ask.
‘About the Camper Café? Isn’t that a bit sneaky?’
I pull a face. ‘Maybe it doesn’t have the right permits in place or hasn’t had a recent hygiene inspection. I don’t know. All’s fair in love and war and all that crack.’ I’m uneasy. If Reeni doesn’t think it’s a good idea, maybe I should shelve it.
‘Why don’t you go and talk to them instead? Lay it on a bit thick about the business being in trouble,’ she says. ‘They could move to the other side of the village. There are no cafés over there to disrupt.’
‘I might see him.’ A cold chill does a whistle-stop tour through my torso.
‘Would that be such a bad thing?’ Reeni gives a frustrated sigh. ‘It might actually be what you need. I don’t think you’ve ever got close to anyone you’ve dated. And lately you don’t even do dates. Just booty calls.’ Her perfect dark eyebrows arch to emphasise her point.
‘I can’t risk bumping into Jackson.’ His name catches at the back of my throat. Why the hell did he have to come back?
Something grabs Reeni’s attention and she looks towards the coast road. I follow her gaze and smile.
‘You always light up when Milo’s around.’
I pull a face. ‘He’s Jackson’s brother,’ I say pointedly. ‘He’s just a mate.’
‘If you say so.’
‘I came to see one beautiful woman and find two,’ says Milo, sauntering over.
‘Ha. Ha.’ I roll my eyes, cartoon style.
‘Too much?’ he says with a cheeky grin.
‘No way,’ says Reeni. ‘I’m up for anyone calling me beautiful.’
‘Enough, you two. Did you want me?’ I ask Milo.
‘I came to invite you over for drinks.’
I frown, not sure what he’s asking.
‘On the green …’
‘Bloody hell. You own the Camper Café?’ Reeni almost shouts.
He beams. ‘I’ve been working on the van for ages in secret and finally got it finished. Any time you fancy a coffee, come on over.’
‘I have my own fabulous coffee here, thanks,’ I quip.
‘I know, but who doesn’t love a bit of friendly competition?’ Milo says with a wink.
I hate the fact Milo is going to be the reason for my downfall, because he’s impossible to be angry with.
With Milo gone, Reeni shoves me. ‘You have no excuse now to get the café moved. It’s only Milo you have to talk to.’
I chew on my lip. Something tells me it’s not going to be that simple.