“Unless you have acquired the next terrace and Liam has worked his magic overnight, you don’t have the room.But thank you, Raven.”Unconsciously putting my hand on her shoulder.
She visibly straightens at my touch and the nickname I have always called her.Drawing my hand away quickly.Shit, I think I have really fucked up this time.Must have made it so uncomfortable for her.I’m going to have to think of alternative accommodation this summer break.I can’t put her through these feelings in her own house.But how uncomfortable could I have made her if she is still including me in her Christmas plans?
She pulls into her garage, and we silently exit the car.Collecting our bags, I trail behind her, like I always do.Wishing I could reach out and clear the air.Or make it worse and lose her.I stay quiet as we enter the house.
Rayna checks the time.“I’m going to shower then have a lie down.I think I got too much sun.”
“No worries.Let me know if you get hungry.I’ll make you something.”
“Thanks.”And she rushes up the stairs.The door slamming closed behind her.
Instead of heading up for a shower too, I head out on the back patio and dump my bag on the sun lounger.Removing my shirt and putting it in the bag, I see the sunscreen tube amongst the items.Rayna must have accidentally put it in my bag instead of hers.Having her hands on my skin, rubbing the cream on my back, was bliss.I wish it hadn’t stopped.Heading to the infinity pool, I step in, sitting on the submerged ledge, placing my arms along the edge, enjoying the cold water against my heated skin.
How am I going to survive the next two months in the same house with her?Maybe I need to start getting out of the house before she wakes up and hitting the gym for a few hours.Hang around the house and see if Liam needs a hand while he is working.Might be easier to stay out of the house once Aria is in town.I can catch up with her and give Rayna some space.
On cue, my phone blasts out Aria’s personalised ringtone.I jump out and pull the phone out of my bag.
“Hey, Aria.How are you going, sweetpea?”
“Hey, Dad.Good thanks, how are you going?”
“Yeah, well, thanks.”I settle back into the water.“How are things going in your last few meetings?”
“Argh,” She groans.“I’m so looking forward to leaving.I think the worst ones were saved for last.”
“When do you think you’ll be done?”
“I’m hoping in a few days.I’m looking forward to a break.”
“I bet.Rayna did mention you are free to stay here, if you want.You’ll just be sharing a room with Marla.”
“Oh, Marla.I haven’t seen her since she was in primary school.Let me chat with mum, and see what she’s planning.I don’t want to take up Marla’s space the whole time, but I think I can split up my time between you and mum?”
“That sounds great.”
"I don’t think you told me what happened with the house?”
“The whole place is getting gutted and redone.But that wasn’t only from this water damage instance.”
“That’s pretty bad.”
“Being so close to the ocean has impacted the structure.The guy who’s doing it has seen a number of these problems in the area.Actually, you might know him?He grew up at Parsley Bay.Liam Deerubbin.Looked around the same age as you.”
“Nah, haven’t heard that name before.That does sound like a big job.You’re lucky Rayna was around to help you out.That’s really nice of her.I’m so glad the two of you have the opportunity to continue rebuilding your friendship these last few years,” She rambles out.
“But we have always been friends?”While I have had years of keeping my distance from Rayna, we’ve never not talked.It’s just been…different.Distant.But notno contactor anything too obvious like that.
“Not the same way you used to talk about how you were when you were younger and in uni.”
“You’re right.But it’s hard to maintain friendships when you’re older and other commitments come along.”
“Yeah, not like you’re both in the same industry or anything,” Aria remarks, dripping with sarcasm.
“It’s complicated,” I lamely reply.
“Of course, Dad.”
“Did you call just to hassle me?”I jest.
