I press the heel of my palm into the muscle of my chest and rub as I stare at the water.
“This is where you’ve got to,” another voice from the past states.
I look up and smile.
“I needed a break,” I admit.
Jaxson drops himself onto the sun lounger next to mine.
“Wanting to jump in the pool and swim away the stress of the day?” he asks.
“If only,” I say.
“Was that Pen I just saw leaving?” Jax asks.
“It was,” I say with a sigh.
“A long day?”
“Don’t you know it.”
Jax leans over and squeezes my shoulder. He’s one of the few people who understands the stress of today. He was by my side throughout my wedding to Darra.
“Caleb and April, aren’t you and Darra,” he says. “You can take comfort in that. April is very much in love with your brother. Not to mention he’s completely besotted with her.”
I can hear the amusement in his voice. I know he was there when Caleb first met April in New York. My brother confided in him aboutthe girl who got away. He and Caleb have been business associates and friends for many years. Jax, having built up a successful architectural business specialising in energy efficiency, and Caleb, Frazer Development. Together they’ve transformed large portions of the capital.
I turn my head to face my old friend.
“I know, and I’m happy for them. Both my baby brothers have found great partners.”
“And you? What next?” Jax asks.
“Now I concentrate on Lottie. She’s suffered enough with all mine and Darra’s fighting. It’s time I put her first.”
“Remember, her dad being happy will make Lottie happy,” he says, his tone tinged with a hint of sadness.
I look back at the water.
If only I knew what that looked like.
“I’m sorry,” I say. “I’m sorry I shut you out.” I run a hand through my hair. “I’ve been saying that a lot recently.”
Jax turns his head to face me, so I move mine to look at him. We exchange a look, mirroring a moment long past.
“Hey, I’m here now. And what’s fifteen years between genuine friends?” he adds, smiling widely.
I chuckle.
“Only you,” I tell him, shaking my head.
“No,” he says. “Every one of us is here whenever you’re ready.”
I choke back the lump forming in my throat.
“How about we grab dinner, catch up? I’m not heading back to the US for a month,” Jax says.
I smile, the pressure in my chest easing.
