Adrian had called midweek to tell me he couldn’t make it down to Sydney to see Zac. He had to help a friend with something ‘important.’
I didn’t ask what that something was. I’d stopped asking questions, stopped inviting answers that only ever dissolved into more lies.And I was done being lied to. Done caring enough to press for the truth.
Whether he showed up for Zac or not no longer felt like my burden to carry.
Zac, on the other hand, was absolutely thrilled, just as I knew he would be. He much preferred to joinhis uncle, aunt, cousins, and grandparents on a camping trip down the South Coast this weekend, so it worked out in the end.
I’d been invited to go along too, of course, but I knew this was the one opportunity I’d been waiting for—the uninterrupted window I needed to meet Kaden and finally have the conversation I’d been putting off for too long. I told my parents I needed to focus on the renovations and left it at that. They didn’t press me to come. I had a feeling they understood, that what I really needed was a little time to myself.
So here I am, alone in my backyard, phone in hand, ready to make the call that might possibly change everything from this moment on.
I pull up his number and press call before my nerves can overtake me. It rings a few times, each one stretching thin, until the line connects and his deep, raspy voice hums through the speaker.
“Hope?”
For a brief minute, my eyes close, the sound of his voice both soothing my frayed nerves and setting them alight all at once.
“Hope,” he repeats. “Are you there?”
“I’m here.” My voice comes out small and hushed, as though the words themselves have to fight their way free.
“Oh, thank God. It’s so good to hear your voice again.”
A sharp sigh escapes my mouth. “I’m sorry I haven’t called or replied to any of your texts. I just needed some time to think.”
“You don’t ever have to apologise. I completely understand. I’m just glad you called.”
“I...um...I got your gifts. They’re beautiful, Kaden, and not just the plants, but the little notes you wrote too.”
“I didn’t know how else to reach you. I thought I’d try my luck with the plants, and if that failed, I would’ve found another way. I just needed you to know I was thinking of you… and that I wasn’t going to give up.”
“Well, fortunately for you, it worked. I’ve never had anyone do something like that for me. I appreciate the effort.”
“I considered delivering them myself, showing up to your doorstep on my hands and knees, but I was afraid you’d call the cops on me.”
I surprise myself with the laughter that slips from my lips. I hear his low chuckle on the other end, and for a brief pause, it feels as if no time has passed at all.
“I’m calling because I think it’s time we have a proper conversation. Not over the phone, but in person. I’ve had time to think things over, and while I’m still very hurt, Kaden, I’m ready to hear what you have to say.”
“I very much appreciate that. Thank you, Hope.” He exhales heavily, and I can hear the instant relief in his voice. Even after ignoring him for two weeks, he’s thankful that I’m still willing to hear him out.
“Okay… you can come over tonight, if that works. Zac’s away for the weekend with my family, so we can talk privately.”
“I can be there at six?”
“Six is perfect.”
“Okay, great. Do you want me to order something for us?”
“This isn’t a date, Kaden,” I say, the edge in my voice sharper than I intended.
“No, I didn’t mean it that way. I’m sorry. I just thought… if you haven’t eaten by then, I could bring something and save you the trouble.”
“Thanks for the offer, but I’ll be fine. You’re just here to talk. Remember that.”
“Of course. I’m sorry. I’ll be there.”
“Okay, good. Well, I’ll see you tonight at six.”
