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“Yeah, right.”
“Sorry. Lecture over. Listen. Being here with me will make everything feel better. There’s someone I can introduce you too.” She laughed. “Hey, I’m kidding. We’re coming into rainy season, you’re gonna hate it.”
Kendra laughed. She didn’t mind the rain when the temperature was warm. It was the cold rain that got into her bones she wasn’t overly keen on. Working as a gardener, she’d hardened to the conditions no matter what the season. Right now, she didn’t give a shit about the weather. She just needed to get away and get Sarah out of her head. How hard could that be? “I’m feeling better already.” It was a lie, but she had to start convincing herself, because nothing else was going to change the situation.
“I’ll make a space for you,” Malee said. “We’ve got guests in all the huts now, but you can stay with me until one of them is freed up. It’s going to be like old times, except you can get your hands dirty and do amazing work. It’s such a beautiful place, Kenny. Seriously, you’re going to love it.”
Kendra didn’t share Malee’s enthusiasm, but it was early days. “I’m looking forward to it,” she said and was grateful Malee didn’t comment on the lack of excitement in her voice. “I’m a bit tired.”
“You can sleep on the flight. We’ll go to the bar Friday evening, and I’ll introduce you to a few people. I can’t believe you’re actually coming.”
Kendra couldn’t believe it either, but the last thing she needed was a night socialising with strangers when all she wanted to do was hide away from the world and lick her wounds. “I’ll see you soon,” she said.
“Fab. Say hi to your mum and dad for me.”
Kendra ended the call and didn’t feel any the better for having made it. She continued along the road, filling the sack with litter as she went. She propped it up against their wheely bin and went in through the back door. The spicy aroma caught the back of her throat, and she coughed. “Not too hot, Mum. Last thing I need is to spend fourteen hours on a flight needing the loo every five minutes.”
Her mum threw something in the wok, and the sizzling brought a new wave of zesty spices.
“Dad said he left you cleaning up the road. How was it?”
“Bad as ever.”
“He needs to speak to someone. I keep telling him.”
Kendra couldn’t give the conversation headspace. “Right.”
“Here,” her dad said and handed her a beer. “I thought we’d play a bit of poker tonight. I’m feeling lucky.”
Kendra shook her head. “I’d rather get an early night. I slept like shit last night.”
Kendra’s mum turned from the wok and sighed. “I’m so sorry, Kenny. I know you were great friends with her.”
Kendra bit back the tears and took a long swallow of beer. “We were a lot more than that, Mum.”
Her mum nodded. She drew Kenny into her arms. “It’s not for us to judge, my love. I thought you were both close.”
Kendra fell into her mum’s arms and allowed the tears to fall. She felt her dad’s firm hand on her back.
“I’m sorry, Kenny,” he said. He wrapped his arms around them both and held them tightly. “I know words can’t really help, but give it time, sweetheart.”
Kendra pulled out of their embrace and forced a smile. “I know. It hurts like hell.”
Her mum stroked her cheek. “We love you, Kenny.”
Kendra nodded. “Please don’t say anything to Leela.” It had taken Kendra until the morning to phone her dad and tell him what had happened. She hadn’t had the chance to give them any details, nor did she particularly want to discuss it any further, but she had to be clear with them about one thing. “Please, don’t say anything to anyone. I’m sworn to secrecy. If anything comes out about us, you’ll be hounded by the press. Sarah’s career will be over, and it will affect her family and everything.”
“Our lips are sealed, sweetheart. It’s none of our business, and we know nothing about anything.” Her dad kissed her head. “Now, I suspect you don’t feel much like eating, but you need something in your stomach if you’re going to suffer aircraft food soon. How about something stronger to drink?”
Kendra shook her head, but he poured two glasses and handed one to her anyway.
“Here’s to your trip. May you travel safely and have an amazing time.” He sipped his drink. “We’ve always wanted to go to Thailand, haven’t we, Audrey? Maybe we should arrange something. What do you think?”
Kendra smiled. She needed a break from everything that reminded her of Sarah, and that included her parents since one of her fondest memories had been playing Monopoly here and their first kiss as they’d walked back to the station. The lust was strong now as she recalled the warmth and tenderness of their kiss, Sarah’s confident touch, and the feel of her body pressed close. Heat flooded her, and she cleared her throat. She necked the whisky, irritated by her body’s refusal to forget, and turned her attention to the meal. “Food smells great. I’ll chat to Malee about you visiting. She says hi, by the way.”
“How lovely,” her mum said.
Kendra took a mouthful of food and started coughing.
