All or nothing (Love in chaos #1) - Missy Johnson Page 0,10

Ben—who was six years older than me and in college.

There was no relationship, and I almost had Mom convinced of that until she caught him sneaking out of my room one night. Only it wasn't Ben sneaking out of my room; it was someone else. I couldn't tell Mom that, though, because the truth was so much worse. The very next day, I was on a plane to Australia to live with my dad, who I barely knew.

Mom had offered, begged even, for me to fly home for the holidays, but every time I resisted. There was always an acceptable excuse; first, it was school, and then work. When I turned eighteen, I made it clear that if she or Jake wanted to see me, they could come over and visit. Not that they ever did.

“So, tell me everything,” Tara says, once we’re seated in her car. “Speaking of Liam, did you get to meet him?”

“Tara,” I groan as I click in my seatbelt. “Australia’s not a little country town. Not everyone knows everyone.”

“They don’t?” She sounds disappointed. “Next you’ll tell me they don’t ride kangaroos to work. Well, were there at least a few cute guys that caught your attention?”

“A couple,” I admit. “But there wasn’t anyone special, before you ask.”

Bondi is well known as a surfing and holiday paradise, so there was always eye candy to look at. There were a few guys in my life over the years, but nothing serious. I made sure I chose the kind of guys I knew weren’t going to be sticking around, because it was easier than letting myself get hurt.

“Oh well, we’ll change that tonight.” She winks at me. “So, I’m taking you straight home?”

“Actually, if it’s okay, can I stay at yours tonight?” Tara looks at me sideways, like she knows I’m up to something. “Mom doesn’t know I’m home yet. She thinks my flight gets in tomorrow,” I confess.

Tara laughs. “I was wondering how you talked her into letting me pick you up,” she murmurs. “Wow, you grew balls over there. Okay, then it’s settled. You can stay at mine tonight and we’ll go out and celebrate you being back home, where you should be.”

I smile, because that sounds like just what I need.

Tara’s apartment in Brooklyn is only a short drive from the airport, but in New York traffic on a Wednesday afternoon it takes forever. When we finally arrive, we haul my luggage up the five flights of stairs, because the elevator isn’t working. I wait as Tara unlocks the door to her place. She pushes it open, letting me go in first. It’s smaller than I expected, but it’s cute and cozy, and has a great view of the bridge.

“It’s not much,” she apologizes. “It's the cheapest place I could find that I could call my own and even then, it cost a freaking fortune. I'm lucky my parents agreed to help cover the rent so I can focus on college.” She makes a face. “Though to be honest, I think they just wanted me out of their house. Last week, I caught them having sex on the kitchen counter.”

“Eww, that’s gross, and are you kidding? This place is amazing,” I tell her. I make a beeline for the window and crank it open, taking in the view. “And it’s your own space.”

I shake my head, because I’d kill for a setup like this. My parents would never agree, though. Dad, maybe I could convince, but I'm sure Mom will keep me at home right up until the day before my trust fund clicks over into my name.

Part of the stipulation of receiving my trust fund was that I attend one of the approved colleges on the list provided by my grandfather’s will. Unfortunately, none of those are in Australia. I wanted to say fuck the money and stay in Bondi, but Dad convinced me I should at least try coming back. He explained it in a way that really made sense at the time. I left New York so quickly that I didn’t get a chance to tie up any loose ends. How could I expect to move on without any closure? Who knows, maybe he’s right. Maybe that explains why I haven’t been able to let anyone get close to me since David.

“Yeah, that part’s pretty cool,” Tara grins. “It’s only one bedroom, but I have a super comfy couch with your name on it.”

“The couch will do fine,” I giggle, flopping myself