Page 17 of Shattered Hearts

My heart jolts a little, my nerves buzzing to life. I have trouble controlling them as I jump behind the wheel, excited to be spending some time with my best friend, and hoping to get to the bottom of what’s stressing her out so much.

Is it just the cafe? Or is it something else that she’s not telling me?

Chapter Five

Laynie

Switching off the engine to my clapped out little car, I rest my forehead on the steering wheel for a moment, shutting my eyes as the evening sun streams through the windscreen. Fingers tapping on the warm leather, a groan escapes my throat when I hear my phone vibrating on the passenger seat.

Turning my head, I see my parents’ smiling faces light up the screen. Mum with her shoulder length blonde hair, slightly wavy and windblown from her narrow face flecked with freckles and lines. Thin glossy lips, an upturned nose, and cloud blue irises squinting a fraction against the sunlight. Dad’s face is pressed against her head to fit in the frame. He’s taller and built for his age, with balding dark hair, bottle green eyes, a thinning beard, and a faint scar above his lip. Tattoos cover his arms, matching the few Mum has collected over the years. They’re wild and artsy, and everything about their appearance screams that.

Letting out a soft groan, I pick up my phone and answer before I miss the call. I let out an overly excited, “Hello,” that doesn’t match how violently my nerves are rattling through me.

“Hi, baby. How are you holding up?” Mum’s cheerful voice comes through the speaker. Levi and Violet Adler have always had this carefree, wherever-the-wind-blows-them kind of personality that I adapted to when I was younger, mainly because I didn’t know any better. Mum’s always happy, even when I screw up or break promises. When I was a kid, I thought it was awesome, but the older I get, the more I wish my parents would be more concerned about me. I’ve learnt that what I need is structure and plans, which is ironic because this baby was anything but.

“I’m good. How’s the Sunshine Coast?” I say, trying to match her enthusiasm, but I feel as flat as a popped tyre.

She lets out a small chuckle. “It’s gorgeous. Your dad is sitting in the sun with his beer and lemon, listening to the radio. We found a great spot near the beach, and the caravan staying next to us is a younger couple who don’t own a home. They only have a caravan they live out of. How cool is that?”

My smile drops as I rub my forehead, withholding a sigh. Of course she would think it’s cool.

“Amazing,” I let out dryly.

“We think so too,” she continues, clearly not picking up on my bluntness. “Your dad and I are thinking of staying here for another week before we continue north. We want to keep going while the weather is perfect. I wish you could have come with us, Laynie.”

“Me too, Mum, but I have the bakery to run. It’s not going to stay open on its own, and I think the town would throw a fit if I closed. How would Mrs Spencer get her daily sweet treats that she hides from her husband?”

Mum scoffs lightly. “Macie could have handled it for you. She’s quite capable.”

“For an entire year?”

She’s quiet for a moment. “You’re right. Plus, you without your baking is like a field with no grass. It just doesn’t work.”

“Great analogy…” I drawl, before hearing a shuffling in the background. Shutting my eyes, I continue listening when Mum tells Dad to take the phone from her.

“How are you going, kiddo?” His deep voice floats through.

“I’m fine, Dad. I’m glad you’re enjoying your holiday.”

“It really is fantastic. We wish you could have joined us. The caravan has a table that turns into a bed.”

My head shakes as I imagine the grin inserted on his scruffy, wrinkled face. He was elated when he found that out, like it was the major selling point or something...

“I know, you showed me when you bought it off Facebook.”

“Ah…” he lets out slowly. “That’s right.”

Letting out a sigh, I ask the one question I’m afraid of him answering, but I’ll also hate myself if I don’t. “So, when do you think you’ll be back?”

“Do you miss us, pumpkin pie?”

I nod against my phone and let out a soft, “Yes.”

“We miss you too. Every single day.”

That didn’t answer my question.

“And we spoke with Dave this morning. He said that Sadie is staying with you. Something about you needing some company.”