I’ve said something wrong because his whole demeanour has shifted.
‘She’s not been well lately.’ Milo is back.
‘You never said. I hope she gets –’
‘Yes, she’s not felt great,’ Jackson says, cutting me off. ‘But she’s already on the mend.’
Milo shoots him a look, but stays quiet.
‘I know you like restoring stuff. But a mobile café’s different. The van looks fantastic,’ I say, trying to lighten the atmosphere and finding it easier now Milo’s with us.
‘Bit different from my normal classic cars, alright. I did a great job, didn’t I?’ says Milo as he picks up a milkshake. ‘You’d think my brother would be a little more appreciative, seeing as it’s bringing us in an income.’
I step back to take the whole van in. It’s impressive. The open doors, lined with varnished wooden shelves, hold napkins, condiments, wooden cutlery and some takeaway menus. Vintage light bulbs in cast-iron holders adorn the serving area and a neonJafflessign in bright pink glows on the back wall. Milo has done a great job.
I should get out of here, but something deep inside has me tethered to the spot. ‘What’s a jaffle?’ I ask, grasping at something to say.
‘An iconic Aussie staple.’ There’s a definite Australian twangto Jackson’s accent and it’s hot. ‘The elite toasted sandwich for any time of the day or night.’
‘You mean it’s just a toasted sandwich?’
He stares at me and my insides shrivel to the size of a wrinkled prune. ‘No.’ He waves his hand towards the handwritten menu. ‘Where have you ever seen eggs Benedict, smoked salmon with cream cheese and dill, or strawberry jam and meringue options on the menu with toasted sandwiches?’
‘OK. Point taken.’ If the ground could swallow me up right now, I’d be eternally grateful.
There’s another silence and the air seems to thicken and close in around me.
‘Why are you here, Ellie? What could you possibly have to say to me after all this time?’
He sounds angry and, to be honest, he has a point. What the hell am I doing here pretending to have small talk with him?
‘Bro, lay off her.’ Milo is scowling at his brother.
‘Keep out of this,’ Jackson growls back, then looks at me. ‘So? Because if you’ve got nothing to say, you may as well go.’
He’s right, I do have nothing to say. I’m too much of a coward. Shame is gurgling its way up my windpipe, smothering me. Maybe I should revert to what I came here for instead and then I can leave.
‘Are you OK?’ Milo is squeezing my arm gently.
I turn to face him, which has the advantage of blocking Jackson out of my vision. ‘I wanted to ask. It’s great having a new business and all, but would you be able to move it somewhere else?’ I gabble the words out in one breath.
‘What?’ He looks a bit taken aback.
‘Having two businesses so close together isn’t good for either of them.’
‘We’re doing fine,’ he says hesitantly, glancing across at Jackson. ‘I didn’t think it was too close to you.’
‘I know, but if you moved …’
He shrugs as he speaks. ‘I suppose we could.’
‘No way. Business is good. We’re not moving,’ says Jackson, bluntly, cutting straight across our conversation. He comes out from behind the counter and stands next to his brother. ‘Why should we?’ It’s almost a challenge.
I take a step backwards. ‘I thought …’
He cuts me off again. ‘Think again.’ He flashes a hard stare in my direction that rips through my chest, stealing my breath. ‘I’ll take this to Mum,’ he says to Milo, taking the milkshake from him. ‘I need to check she’s OK.’ And then without looking back he stalks away.
Milo shrugs awkwardly. ‘Sorry. He’s in a mood. I’ll talk to him about moving.’
