I’ve bumped into her a few times over the years, the last time being at a mutual friend’s thirtieth birthday party. We were getting along, and it kinda felt like closure, which was a relief after such a messy breakup. But then we both got too drunk and ended up in bed together. I regretted it, but only because the next day, it was as though she thought sleeping together had erased all the hurt and reality of why we split to begin with. She thought it meant we could magically get back together.
Since then, I’ve spent a lot of time getting right with myself and reflecting on what I want in a relationship. I won’t rush into anything again, and open communication is paramount.
I’m worried I’m going to see her at this wedding and accidentally mislead her just by being nice. It’s been three years since that night, but I’ve been riddled with anxiety since I got the damn invitation. That’s why Ineedto bring a date. A line of defence.
“Yeah,” I grunt. “It wasn’t a long engagement. Wasn’t a particularly long relationship either. We rushed into it too quickly, before we had a chance to really know each other.”
Liv twists her lips, her body melting on the spot as her resistance wavers, then she groans. “Let me see if I can figure out a sitter for Daisy, and I’ll go with you.”
A grin breaks out on my face, and I lean over the bench, collecting my pastry box before dropping a quick peck on her cheek. “You’re the best.”
“That’s what they tell me.”
I laugh as she follows me out the front door.
“I spoke to Callie yesterday,” Liv says, mentioning my baby sister. “She said she’s thinking of moving to the city?”
Callie lives in Trevally Falls, a small oceanside town south of the city, with our brother, Caspian.
I move to the back tray of my ute, unlocking the utility boxes and stowing the tools in their organised places.
“Yeah.” I nod. “With Derek out of the picture now, she feels like she’s got a chance to really start over. Why not do that in a new place?”
I unbuckle my toolbelt, dumping it in the footwell behind my driver’s seat. Patch has already moved to the front, knowing we’re taking off.
“I told her if she wanted a roommate, I’d be happy to clear out my spare room for her.”
I pause, arse half perched on my seat. “Really? I already offered her the spare room in my place. I figured she might need some help in the first few weeks after the baby’s born.”
“You’re a good brother, West. I just thought I’d put it out there, one new mum to another. I remember what it was like doing it alone.”
“That’s real nice of ya, Liv.” I reach a hand up, squeezing her bicep. “I appreciate it. Truly.”
“Secretly, I’m hoping it earns me free handyman work whenever I need it.” She winks, throwing her head back with a laugh as she walks back into the bakery.
I’m shaking my head as I swing on my seat and bring the engine to life, ready to head onto the next job. Before I can pull away, I glance over to Claire’s salon.
I haven’t dated anyone since Phoebe. I’m not sure it’s a great idea to date anyone now with the wedding coming up; it’s too close to know if anything new has the chance to turn serious, but that doesn’t mean she hasn’t got me curious.
I reach for my phone in my back pocket, pulling up a chat with Lee.
ME:
Just leaving Sweet Escape, I’ll be at Smoke and Barrel in twenty.
I chew on my lip as I hesitate to send what I really want to say.
ME:
Met Claire’s new manager…
LEE:
thumbs-up-emojiHave you got a print out of the latest plans with you? Jem messed up the ones we have on site.
JEREMY:
That donut had far too much jam!
