Just friends? Pfft. Yeah, right.

Chapter 28

Chapter 28

“Jo, it’s Dave. Just want to check up on you. We didn’t end things in a good way. Please call me back. I really need to talk to you.”

I pressed the delete button.

“Jo, hey, it’s Dave. You didn’t call back. Anyway, I know it’s alot to ask but I’d really love for you to be my bestwoman,” the machine played, interrupted by Dave laughing nervously. “It’s just that I don’t trust anyone as much as I trust you. Call me back.”

Delete.

“It’s Dave here. I just wanted to check if you got the invitation to my wedding. Just give me a call whenever you’re free.”

Delete.

“Jo, please...”

I deleted that one before I heard the whole message. There were still seven more messages from Dave. I knew the messages would be around the same things. He wanted to talk to me but I was not ready for that. Bestwoman. He wanted me to stand next to him while he got married to another woman. Doesn’t he know how that would just kill me?

“You’re heartless,” I heard Kayla say.

My hands gripped the marble counter, not turning to face her. If I did, she would see the tears that had slid down my cheek.

“Julie,” Kayla started, sensing something not right.

“K, could you just give me some time alone?” I pleaded, voice shaking.

I heard the click of heels before I felt Kayla’s arms wrap around me. She pulled me to her and gave me a comforting hug that made me feel warm inside. I remained stoic in her arms, not wanting her to see me cry.

“Whatever happens, know that I’m here for you, sweetie,” she told me, kind and concerned.

I nodded, still hiding my face. Kayla walked away, knowing me enough to know when to leave me alone. I took a shaky breath, hoping to calm myself. Looking around, I decided that maybe I needed to go home. Familiarity and home was what I needed. Some Irish air might make me better.

                                                                               ***

There was just something about being home that made you feel immediately safe. Sean carried out the luggage from the boot of the car, helping me to bring it into the house. The sound of familiar creaking boards and swinging doors made my heart swell. My mother walked to me, giving me a kiss on the cheek. I smiled and spotted my father sitting by the telly. I went to him, kissing him on the forehead.

“Look at you, all big and grown up,” my father said, smiling. He coughed lightly, making me panic. He laughed after being able to catch his breath. “Would you all stop looking at me like i’m going to die?”

I sat down beside my dad, taking his hand. “We just care about you.”

He patted my hand. “There’s nothing to worry here. I’ll still be walking around when you’re old and grey like me.”

I laughed. “You’re not old and grey, dad.”

“And i’m not dying either,” he smiled, eyes twinkling. “Now, what brought you home, little Julie?”

I smiled at his tenderness. “I needed time to slow down a while for me.”

A warm smile lifted his lips. “You don’t always have to take on the world or act all grown-up, you know, sweetie. You can act like my spoilt little baby girl when you’re here.”