We both turn our heads and face the water. The blue light dances on the surface.
“After Dad’s funeral,” I say.
Pen came to my office. She, Mum, and Dad had been close. Dad’s death hit her hard. She’d bought a bottle of my dad’s favourite whisky and two glasses. We talked all afternoon, reminiscing over time gone by. Finally raising a glass to the man he was. We celebrated my father’s life that afternoon, but then it was back to usual the next time we met—pleasantries.
“I said it then, and I’ll say it now. Thank you for all you’ve done for Lottie over the years. She’s going to miss you. I’m sorry Darra stopped me from taking her out of school for your wedding.”
Pen sighs. “Don’t thank me. Every moment spent with her is a blessing. I appreciate being in her life. As it stands, I should have checked before the save-the-date cards went out.”
There’s a small pause, and I feel a hand touch my arm, squeezing before it disappears.
“Don’t be too hard on yourself, Elijah. You always were your own worst critic. That drive of yoursto be the best.You’ve done an amazing job. Lottie is a wonderful young woman.”
“And you always were my biggest cheerleader,” I say before I can stop the words.
There is another pause as Pen stands.
Shit!
“I better go back in,” Pen says. “Kris will wonder where I’ve disappeared to.”
A sudden pressure builds in my chest, and I draw in a breath.
“Are you coming?”
“I think I’ll hang out here for a bit longer.”
Pen comes to stand in front of me.
“Take care of yourself,” she says, as I find myself looking up at her.
We were the perfect team. Her partnership inspired me to excel. My natural competitive streak taking over. I was determined she wouldn’t beat me, but she always did.
“I’ll leave you in peace.”
She smiles down at me.
This Pen is so different from the initial Penelope Dawson I brought home that first weekend. Gone is the harsh white and black makeup and a face full of metal piercings. Now she is polished. Her makeup is flawless, her hair styled in dark waves. Her charity shop buys have been replaced with designer chic that shows off her toned and tanned physique. And gone is her prickly, defensive demeanour. In its place is a woman quick to laugh and happy to help those she cares for.
“Take care of yourself, and good luck with the wedding plans. Kris is a lucky man,” I say, knowing I mean every word.
My chest constricts.
Pen, out of everyone I know, deserves to be happy. She’s worked harder and given more back to society and everyone around her than anyone I’ve ever met.
“Thank you. Take care of you, big man,” she says, giving a small smile. “This has been…nice.”
I chuckle at her choice of word.
“Nice is a biscuit,” I say, smiling back. “You better get back.”
She nods before turning and walking away.
I watch her disappear into the gardens and out of view.
My heart sinks as my once best friend walks away—again.
I rest my forearms on my knees and stare into the water. Fate intervened between Pen and me. I should be happy for her, but the pain in my chest refuses to subside. Out of everyone I know, she deserves to find true happiness. If Kristophe Lansdown can give her what she wants, then I wish them well.
