Kiss Me Katie (Complete)

Chapter 32

Katie

My stomach was in knots as we walked up the long driveway to my house, the sound of Joel and Annie bantering fading into the background. I'd decided to hold off confronting my mother until Sunday, so at least my friends would get to enjoy their weekend before all hell broke loose. 'Cos something told me I would not want to hang around after that.

"Whoa, Katie. This place is incredible. Pity your Mum is such a bitch, or I'd seriously consider asking your parents to adopt me." Joel's eyes looked ready to pop out of his head.

Annie punched his shoulder and gave him a filthy look. "Seriously? You really needed to say that?"

Joel rubbed his arm and threw his other one around my shoulder. "Sorry Katie, my bad. How ya holding up?"

I nudged Joel and smiled. "I'll survive. But another crack like that and you may not. Annie has a mean streak a mile wide."

We were almost at the door when it opened, and Dad stepped out. "Hey, sweetie. It's so good to see you. You have no idea how quiet this place has been without you." He pulled me into a bear hug, and I instantly found myself fighting back tears... again.

"Hey, dad. Good to see you too. This is Joel, he was Annie's buddy in the new scheme I told you about."

Joel stepped forward and held out his hand. I had to smile at the way he tried to hide the hero-worship in his eyes. "Pleased to meet you, Mr Simpson."

Dad smiled as he took Joel's hand. "You too, Joel. And please, call me Reece. Hey Annie. Good to see you. Well, come on in everyone. Coffee's made, or there are cold drinks in the fridge."

I looked over at the four-car garage and noticed Mum's car was missing. "So, where's Mum?" I asked, dropping my bag in the entrance foyer and indicating to Annie and Joel to do the same. I tried to hide my relief at my mother's absence as we all moved toward the lounge room.

Dad's eyes clouded, his mouth tightening. But the smile was back before I'd even blinked. It was something I wouldn't have noticed if I hadn't been watching for his reaction. How many more of those fleeting looks had I missed over the years?

"Oh, yes. She... ummm... had a meeting she couldn't get out of. But she promised to be home in time for lunch. So... I thought we'd have a barbecue out by the pool."

Yeah right. Couldn't get out of it huh? More like she organised it, so she didn't have to spend too much time with her embarrassing daughter.

I smiled at my Dad, wanting to erase the worried look in his eyes. How long had this tension been around, and I'd never even noticed? "Yeah Dad, a barbecue sounds great. But first, did I hear the word coffee?"

Dad chuckled, all trace of his worry gone. "Well, I figured you'd be in need of a caffeine fix by the time you got here. Joel? Annie? You needing a brew as well?"

Annie laughed and jumped up from the lounge. "You know it. How about I make them? I know where everything is, and how everyone likes theirs. Come on Joel, you can give me a hand." Annie grabbed Joel's shirt and dragged him toward the kitchen before anyone could say a word.

I slipped off my shoes and relaxed into the soft lounge. It was good to be home and to spend some time alone with Dad.

"So, where's your buddy, sweetie? I thought he was coming too?" He tried to make it sound like a passing comment, but I knew he was watching me like a hawk. He always could read me like a book.

"Ummm... yeah... Riley had some stuff he had to deal with at home this weekend."

Well, at least it was the truth... according to Riley.