“Only if we talk about it, which we won’t. Let’s concentrate on the good times, I mean, we were friends before it happened.”
“As I said, you’re an amazing person.”
“So, do we have a deal?”
“Yeah, we have a deal.”
We toast to the future with our tea and settle on the sofa. After I take a good sip, I throw my head back to the cushion behind. “I’m so relieved that’s over. I needed some positive news.”
“Yeah, we both did. I’m getting used to having a littlesister on my case. I wouldn’t want to lose you now,” Scott smiles.
“Um, hold on a sec. Who said I’m the little sister?”
“Come on then, when’s your birthday?” he asks, straightening in his seat.
“Eighteenth of November, you?”
“I missed your birthday, why didn’t you say? I’ve spoken to you enough times.” He leans over, pushing my leg on his last word.
“Twenty-two isn’t a special age,” and pining away for the man you love isn’t the best way to spend your birthday. If only I’d known then, he was out having his own fun. I shake the thought from my head. “Anyway, you’ve changed the subject. Your birthday; when is it?”
“Twenty-seventh of October. Sorry,” he laughs.
“You didn’t exactly share your birthday with me either,” I tease. “Although now it’s official, I like the idea of a big brother. I could do with a shoulder to lean on now and then.”
“Good, well this big brother feels really shit about missing your birthday, so how about I take you out to lunch to make up for it?”
“Oh, it’s a nice thought, but I’m not hungry?—”
“Good. How about we go to Pizza Express?”
“Didn’t you hear me? I can’t stomach anything right now.”
“Brotherly intuition is telling me I have to feed you up.” He seems so determined.
“You’re only my half-brother, remember? I’m not sure our connection is that deep.”
“Trust me.” His words cause a lump to form in my throat, but I swallow it down, replacing it with a smile as I get up to retrieve my coat. “Okay, I suppose I won’t get any peace until I agree.”
During our thirty-minute walk to the restaurant, I talk Scott into spending New Year with me. Getting to know my half-brother a little better, could be the tonic I need. Angie has invited me to stay with her for Christmas, and I was thinking of travelling to Greece in the February break to visit my grandparents. I’m trying to keep my mind occupied and away from Ash, so I’m organising lots of things to look forward to.
Scott quietens for a moment then asks, “Are you still mad with Ash?”
I blow out a long breath. “No, not anymore. It’s something much bigger. He’s broken my heart, Scott. He was the one person in this world I thought would never let me down, and he did, in the worst way possible.”
Scott sighs. “You’re missing one major point. He didn’t do anything. He didn’t ask Dani to throw herself at him, and despite what it seemed, he didn’t plant his face in that girl’s tits either.” Scott is kind of pleading on Ash’s behalf.
“But that’s where Ash and I differ. I wouldn’t let myself get into a compromising situation in the first place.”
We eventually reach the restaurant and grab a table. Our waitress is very attentive, placing our drink and food orders as soon as we’re ready, but as she leaves us, Scott continues where we left off.
“How do you know?”
“How do I know what?”
“You wouldn’t get yourself into a tricky situation. These things happen Calla, and sometimes, they’re beyond our control.” I don’t respond, knowing Scott has a good point. After a beat, he adds, “You know he’s hurting just as much as you are right now.”
“Anyone would think he sent you here to plead his case. Iunderstand he was your friend before I came on the scene; you’ve always been close, but?—”
