DAWN PAIGE GREY Young Adult Romance

Chapter 37 - Letting Go

 “Dawn, Annie’s brother was here.” Her father said over the phone.

Dawn sucked in air when her father told her Jace had been to the ranch. “Ohh, what did he want?" 

“He came to apologise for the brawl at the wedding. He wanted to see you and apologise to you in person. I told him you decided to get away after you marriage was annulled.”

“Oh nooo Dad, you didn’t tell him my marriage has been annulled, why did you tell him?”

“I’m sorry Dawn.  I didn’t think it was a secret and he seemed genuinely concerned about you.”

“I bet he was.” Dawn felt a tiny flicker like a butterfly wing beat against her chest.

“Dad I hope you didn’t tell him where I was.”

“No Dawn, I didn’t. He did ask though, but I said you just needed to get away by yourself.”

“Thanks Dad. Please don’t tell anyone where I am, especially Annie. I never want to see her again and I’d rather not see Jace either.” Dawn bit her bottom lip. She had to block Jace out of her life forever. He was Annie’s brother and she never wanted to see her again, so she could never even contemplate seeing Jace. It was now time to let go and move on with her life.

Although Andy’s revelation about James had shocked her speechless and she was still trying to come to terms with it, just maybe … well time would tell.

“Dawn are you okay?” Her father asked.

“Yes Dad I’m fine thanks. Having a great time with the twins. Best holiday ever.”

“Well, if you need anything and I mean anything at all you only need to call.”

“Thanks Dad, you’ve been so sweet and understanding about everything. Love you Dad.”

“Love you too Dawn. Take care.”

“Bye Dad.”

“Bye Sweetheart.”

“Hey Dawn, everything okay at home?”

“Yes thanks James. My Dad was just checking up on me.”

“I couldn’t help but overhear you mention Jace.”

“It’s nothing. He just came to apologise to my Dad for the fight he got into at the wedding.” She watched James face and he went a little red.

“Yeah, about that… I’m sorry too. I didn’t want him spoiling your day and I guess things just got out of hand.”

Dawn smiled. “It’s ok. No harm done.”

“I better go apologise to your Dad too when I get back.”

“It’s not necessary James. I think it’s best forgotten.”

“I’ll go apologise anyway. It will make me feel better too.” He was quiet for a while before continuing. “Are you going to see Jace again…? I mean, now that you aren’t friends with Annie anymore, it might be awkward.”

“No, I am not going to see Jace or Annie again…ever. That door is now closed. It’s in the past and I’m moving on. Upwards and onwards is my motto now.”

“What are you planning to do when you go home?”

“I’m going to move to Perth and get a job and a place of my own. It’s time to leave the nest and venture out into the big bad world.”

“Who’s going into the big bad world?” Andy asked as he walked into the room with a tray of cold drinks.

“Dawn is.” James responded.

“What? I thought you were going to come and stay with me for a while.” Andy put down the tray of drinks and looked across at Dawn. “Thought you wanted time to think about your next move, now you’re an unmarried lady.”

“Andy, honestly. Don’t you know when to shut your mouth? I’m sure Dawn doesn’t need reminding.”

“Whoa.” Andy said. “Looks like Dawnie has a protector. Knight in shining armour, hey James?”

“Enough Andy. Stop teasing your brother.” Dawn scolded.

“Aaahhh, I see that’s how it works. You’re both protecting each other. Mhmm, great start to a relationship. Can’t fault that.” Andy winked at his brother.

“Uuuggg, Andy.” James grabbed his drink off the tray and walked out to the balcony.

“Don’t you ever know when to stop?” Dawn confronted Andy with her hands on her hips.

“OOOO, feisty lady when she’s playing protector.”

Andy was taken by surprise when Dawn picked up her glass and threw the contents over him.

“Enough already.” She shouted and walked out to the balcony to join James.

James heard her shout and turned round to see his brother dripping wet. He grinned but made no comment.

“Come on James let’s go swimming. I’ve had enough of Andy’s clever remarks today.”

“Great idea, I’ll grab my costume and join you both.” Andy said.

“You’re not invited.” Dawn said pushing past him.

Andy was about to say something when James stepped up to him. “Enough Andy. Let it go please.”

Andy smiled and winked at his brother, but didn’t open his mouth when he saw how serious James was.

He walked over to the balcony and watched his brother and Dawn walking towards the pool and wondered if anything would really come out of their friendship.