AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Pausing with a chip halfway to his mouth, Gus looked at her. ‘In five weeks’ time.’
‘And how long are you in the Philippines for?’
‘Three months and then we’re travelling to Costa Rica for a further six months.’ His voice was quiet.
‘Wow. Okay.’ Heather swallowed, the chip she was eating suddenly as heavy as a stone. ‘So, when I leave here, we won’t see each other for at least nine months?’
‘I can come and visit you before I leave.’ Gus replaced his chip in the cone.
‘But then after that, it’ll be nine months?’ That was almost a year. She kept her eyes focused on a dim light travelling across the water, a boat or a ship perhaps.
‘Yes.’
Heather nodded again, the silence hanging heavy in the air around them. Why hadn’t she asked before? ‘Why didn’t you tell me?’
‘I...’ Gus shook his head. ‘I guess I didn’t really want to think about it.’
‘Right.’
‘What are you thinking?’ His voice was quiet, gentle.
‘Honestly? I don’t even know what to think. I’m more confused than I was when I found out you were going to the Philippines.’
‘I understand.’ Gus nodded slowly.
‘Sorry, I just don’t know what to think anymore.’ Reaching out, she touched his hand and blinked back the tears stinging the back of her eyes. She so wanted to just jump in headfirst into this relationship but how was it going to work if they wouldn’t even see each other for nine months? And then what? He’d be going somewhere else. ‘I should get back.’
‘I’ll walk you back.’
‘No, don’t worry. It’s only up there.’ Heather nodded towards the ramp up to the promenade. She needed to get back. she needed some time to herself. She needed to think, to work out what she was going to do.
‘Okay. See you.’
‘Bye.’ Turning, she walked quickly walked away. She didn’t want Gus to see her crying. It wasn’t his fault. It was just his job. The job he’d had for years. He’d only just met her. This was her problem, not his.
Closing the bakery door behind her, Heather leaned against it, thankful that Elsie and Ian were out at the cinema. She looked around the empty bakery before slipping through the door up to the flat.
Shrugging out of her coat, she sunk onto the bed, pulling her legs up beneath her and leaning against the headboard. Nine months. They wouldn’t see each other for nine months. At least. Anything could happen in that time. He’d meet someone else.Probably someone he worked with. It would be the whole Jordan thing over again.
Her shrill ringtone rang through the silent flat. That would be him now. What was she going to say to him? she knew how she felt but she also knew she didn’t want to, couldn’t be hurt like that again.
‘Hello.’
‘Heather. I’ve been trying to get hold of you.’
Closing her eyes, she pulled the phone away from her ear. It was Jordan. When would she learn to check the caller ID before answering?
‘Heather? Are you there?’
Taking a deep breath, she brought the phone to her ear again. ‘I’m here.’
‘Good. I thought you’d never want to speak to me again for a moment then.’ Jordan laughed, his tone light down the phoneline.
Heather frowned. Why did he have to sound so happy? Did he realise who he was talking to? ‘I did only answer because I hadn’t checked caller ID.’
‘Right. Good one.’ More laughter.
Sighing, Heather rolled the top of her socks down. ‘What is it you want?’
