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Harlow
One thingI was taught was that eavesdropping was rude and disrespectful. Well, I didn’t think it was as long as no one caught you, and it was for the greater good. No one was getting hurt by my actions and it was for my personal benefit. How was that such a huge crime?
Seriously my parents would be appalled, but I needed to know why Johnny was acting so strange. The minute I made sure my footsteps were loud and concise enough to make them think I had disappeared, I sat and intentionally waited.
My gut screamed that even though Johnny had been calm and collected throughout, his focus had been completely on another planet. Yes, the compassion had showed but it seemed a flitted instinct, rather than expected normality. Something he had fulfilled because he felt instilled to, a natural reaction rather than for the reasons it should have been. Those innate feelings hadn’t proved me wrong in the past. I moved down the stairs, knowing to be wary of the fourth and sixth steps on the right-hand edge, as they had a creek to the floorboards. I didn’t want it to be game over before I had gotten the answers, I needed first.
His attempted whispers to confide between him and Elijah were futile. A man who whispered, had a certain roughness to their voice and it was difficult to hide whether they knew it or not, especially Johnny. His deep voice meant that it still carried through the air at a higher octave than anticipated. It made the information that bit easier to acquire. I listened to as much as I could before I made my way back to my room without pushing time limits too far. Last thing I wanted was to be caught snooping. I turned my head into the pillow, hoping it would cover the muffled screams.
Two weeks at least to have undisturbed time just to myself, with no expectations or demands. Just to answer to myself with the intentions of life itself, with everything in the control of my fingertips. The knocked sound on the door disturbed my scheduled ideas running through my head.
The wide grin I had plastered across my face needed to be cleared and replaced with a subdued poker face, that over the years I had practised to perfection. As I nonchalantly said, “Come in.”
The door cracked open, and Johnny’s head peeked around the corner. His sparkled eyes pleaded like he did when I was younger.
“Have you got some time to talk? Elijah’s gone home, so it’s just us two.”
I gestured for us both to go and get comfortable on the window seat that overlooked the view of the harbour in the distance before I waited for what he had to tell me.
He didn’t like delaying tactics; he had always been blunt and got straight to the point as he stated calmly.
“Harlow, after Elijah so rightly mentioned, the business that I had cowardly hidden from you. The new team dealing with the contract I had secured, contacted me through email today. We are only in the early negotiations with the building contractors and architects at the moment, but unexpected issues have arisen. They need my input, but they are struggling with an ocean separating us.”
I just sat and listened intently, as I realised, I couldn’t let him know that I had already heard the majority of these details. Johnny continued with what he needed to say as I tried to remain impartial.
“Elijah thought the sensible idea would be to talk through the idea the company has suggested together. After all, you’re not fifteen anymore and I need to remember that. You’re an adult and can make life choices, even if sometimes you need a small amount of guidance.”
Johnny always seemed to have this knack of always putting his foot in it somewhere along the line. He couldn’t just tell me about the opportunity, no, he had to belittle me too. I fought so hard with my inner self to avoid rolling my eyes at him at the remark he had made. Somehow, I managed to regain my composure even though I had no idea how.
“What option have you been offered?” I asked.
I tried to keep my voice as calm as I practically could to raise the least suspicion as possible.
Johnny took a deep breath as he reeled the words off.
“Well, Ria is fighting for me to come to Belgium and make sure that at least the base foundations are set up before I fly back. They are initially suggesting two weeks, but there wouldn’t be any fixed guarantees. It could be longer or even less. To be honest this is sounding the best of the suggestions that have been put forward. A short time to get the exact picture we had envisioned, without added outlays and holdbacks for each of us involved. What do you think?”
I knew as he looked straight at me, he was trying to gauge my first impressions. I was so glad that I had digested and listened in earlier to the conversation. If I had heard this for the first time now, I don’t think I would have been able to hold my enthusiasm at the given prospect. Without seeming cold-hearted at throwing my brother out of his home, I’ll be honest, my heart screamed with joy.
“I think you have to do what’s best for the distillery, Johnny. At the end of the day, it’s a business and hard decisions are needed to be made. I will support you with whatever decision you make.”
His acceptance of my words was a relief, as he looked at me.
“To be honest, I knew I would have to go away, my concern at first was you. Knowing everything you have been through, it made me question if taking the financial hit would be better, but Elijah gave me an arse-kicking. I’m leaving late tomorrow evening. So tonight, I’ll go spend the evening at Elijah’s, but tomorrow if you want to, we can spend the afternoon together before my flight. That’s if staying here whilst I’m away alright with you?”
I felt relief as I reached over to give him a huge hug whilst maintaining my hold on the level of excitement running through me.
“Of course, it will be fine. If I need anything, I can reach Elijah, and we can talk on the phone, don’t panic.”
I knew he had that nature ingrained into him, but I needed to add that extra sense of reassurance to the best level I could, and I made sure to reiterate calmly.
“I will be fine, I have done this gig for two years alone, a couple of weeks will be fine, and then we can relax afterwards. Hopefully, I’ll have started to put down some roots then, and be ready for your return. Tomorrow sounds great, maybe we could go to Murphy’s?”
As he kissed me on the head, he stood up.
“Yep, your choice. I will start prepping all the details for you and we can sort that out then too, text me. See you later.”
We discussed what I was going to do while he was away, and the tension was a little lighter between us. The close of the door as he left the room made me want to bounce with delight. Johnny had given me full reign to let myself go. Even if he hadn’t realised it yet, as I knew the next few weeks the place was mine to do what I desired. Exactly what to do though, I was uncertain about as the choices varied dramatically.
