Page 27 of Shattered Hearts

Mum sighs, not in a disappointed way, but more to say yeah, I wish it was him too. I wipe my nose clean.

“Who is the dad, then?” she asks once I’ve calmed down enough to not choke on my inhales.

“Sadie’s friend. He lives in Sydney.”

She hums quietly, and I feel the disappointment pouring through the speaker. “Your dad and I will be home in a few days.”

I shake my head, the house blurry around me as I grit out, “No. You’ve planned this for so long, and—”

“Laynie, we aren’t going to keep caravaning around while you deal with this. Did you really think we would?” Kind of. “We will still be a few days, but we’ll be home soon, pumpkin.” I have never been more grateful to have my mum. “I’ll tell your dad tonight. He’ll understand.”

“Thank you,” I whisper, clinging to my phone. “Are you mad at me?”

She gives a small scoff, making my brows pinch. “It would be a bit hypocritical of me to be mad at you, wouldn’t it?”

It would. “I guess.”

“Is this why Sadie is with you?” she questions.

My chin dips. “Yeah. She came as soon as I told her, which I know I should have told you earlier, but—”

“As long as you have someone there with you, that’s what matters.”

Despite her loving words, I feel the sinking in my chest. My parents love me, I know that, but they’ve never been as close as I’ve wanted them to be. I’m not their priority, and it stings a little, but I can’t tell them that. Not after all their encouragement for me to go out of my own and start my business.

“Thank you, Mum.”

“We’ll see you soon. I love you, Laynie girl.”

I smile. “I love you too, Mum.”

Chapter Ten

Grayson

GRAYSON: Hey, Knox. This is Grayson Lawson. Paisley told me you want to ride dirt bikes. Let me know when you’re free to come over.

KNOX: Hi! This is totally awesome!

KNOX: I’ll have to thank Paisley. Wait a moment.

KNOX: Done.

KNOX: You have no idea how excited I am for this.

GRAYSON: I think I have a bit of an idea.

KNOX: hahaha.

KNOX: But seriously, thank you so much.

KNOX: How is this Saturday?

GRAYSON: Works for me. Come around 12?

KNOX: I don’t have a car. I’m only 15.

GRAYSON: I’ll pick you up at 12.