DAWN PAIGE GREY Young Adult Romance

Chapter 39 - Time to Face the Future

 At breakfast Andy and James sat chatting waiting for Dawn to come downstairs.

“James did something happen between you and Dawn yesterday on the bus tour?”

“Nothing, we just talked and while we’re on the subject. I just wish you’d never said anything to Dawn. It’s definitely too early for her to be involved in another relationship. I think you’ve spoilt any chances I might have had with her.”

“I’m sorry James. It was just a tease. I never expected either of you to get upset. I spoke out of turn and I’m truly sorry. I guess I was just excited for my brother and rushed in without thinking, putting my big foot in my mouth again.”

“I won’t accept you apology until you promise never to say anything again. Just let things take their own natural course. I really don’t need any help from you. I’ve always handled my love life quite capably on my own.”

“I promise. I will keep my mouth shut from now on.”

It was at this moment that Dawn arrived. “What have I missed? Why do you have to keep your mouth shut?”

“It’s nothing Dawn, just a little twin chat.” James said smiling.

“Mhmm I can’t leave you two alone for a minute and you’re bickering like little boys.” Dawn winked at them.

“Hey Dawnie, boys will be boys and twins are even worse.” Andy laughed.

Dawn hugged Andy and smiled at James. “I love you guys and so happy you agreed to come with me, but I have decided it’s time to go home.”

“Sweetie are you ok?” Andy asked.

“Yes I’m fine thanks. It’s time to go home and face the music. I’ve got legal stuff to sort out and the sooner I sign the papers the sooner I can move forward and get on with my life.”

“But Dawn, you’ve still got a whole week. You should stay and give yourself time to really unwind.”

“I know James, but I feel I need to be with my family now.”

“Of course you must go if you feel it’s time to get to grips with everything.” James said.

Dawn knew in her heart she felt a little uncomfortable in James’ company now and would feel better if she went home and spent time with her family.

After breakfast she went back upstairs and started to pack. Andy came in behind her and gave her a hug.

“Dawnie are you going to be okay?”

“I’ll be fine Andy.” 

He turned her round to face him and gave her a kiss on the end of her nose. “Sweetie, you know you can call me anytime and I’ll drop everything and come and fetch you. You can come and stay with me anytime and for as long as you want. In fact you can stay forever if you like.”

Dawn was overwhelmed by his kindness and folded into his arms. Andy hugged her close and kissed the top of her head. “I’ll always be here for you Dawnie. You’ve still got my number on speed dial, haven’t you Sweetie?”

Dawn nodded.

“Don’t ever be afraid to use it at any time, promise?”

“I promise.” She was about to turn round and carry on with her packing and stopped. “Andy?” 

“Yes Dawn.”

“Have you ever been with a woman before?”

“In my teens, but it didn’t feel right and then I met her brother and there was an immediate attraction. He was gay, but never told his family so we dated in secret for a long time until he went off to Uni and my family moved towns.”

“So there’s no … ummm…”

“Ohh Dawn, I love you to bits but as my little sister. But even if I wasn’t gay I wouldn’t … just because… well… there’s James.”

“James is really lucky to have such a wonderful brother.”

“We are lucky to have each other and we love each other very much and would do anything for each other too. So it would just not be right, well you know what I mean.”

“Yes I do. But it’s just too soon for me. Maybe in a year or so. But definitely not now.”

James knocked on the door. “Hey you two, am I disturbing a moment here?”

“No, of course not James, come on in.” Dawn said.

“Dawn, I’ve decided to stay on for another week. I have checked with reception and they can give me a single room for the week.”

Dawn and Andy looked at each other. Dawn spoke first. “James there’s absolutely no need for you to change rooms. This suite has been paid for till the end of the week all inclusive. So please be my guest and stay.”

James had to bite his tongue. He really wanted to say that he wished Dawn would stay with him too. He just wanted to be a friend to her now and hopefully in time she could see past the friendship tag and share the feelings he had for her. The feelings he’d kept in check since the day he first met her, but then she was engaged and soon to be married. Now she was free and he had no intention of giving up on her that easy. He would give her the time and space she needed and stay in touch and hopefully see her as often as he could.

“Thanks Dawn, but I really think I should move out.”

“I insist James. It seems such a waste to leave this suite empty for a week when it’s all paid for. Please stay and enjoy, please.”

“Well, if you insist.” 

“Yes I do.”

“Okay so it’s settled then. James will stay on and I’ll escort you home.”

“You don’t have to Andy. I’m a big girl now and quite capable of flying home on my own.”

“Rubbish I won’t hear of it. I’m taking you home and if James does not object I may come back in a day or two, once you’re settled and join him for the rest of the week.”

“Yes of course Andy. We could do some windsurfing when you get back.” James smiled. “Thanks for letting me stay on Dawn.”

“You’re very welcome James.” Dawn said and surprised him by giving him a kiss on the cheek.

He smiled at her. “Well let’s get you to the airport. You don’t want to miss your early flight.”

Dawn finished her packing and they took a cab to the airport. When her flight was called she stepped forward to say goodbye to James and he said. “Do I get a goodbye hug?”

“Of course.” She slipped her arms around his waist and hugged him close. She whispered in his ear. “I’m sorry. It’s just too soon and I don’t want you to end up being my rebound.”

James held her close and kissed her cheek. “I’m not going anywhere. I’ll wait.”

Dawn wanted to tell him not to wait for her but decided she’d hurt him enough and swallowed her words. The future was so unpredictable.