Dad home. I can’t help feeling a touch of jealousy. Still, I know in my heart it’s a good thing because if I’m going to spend more time with Reef, I’m glad Dad has Bernadette to look out for him.
Placing the hot iron aside, I hang up my work clothes for the week and change ready for another busy night.
My phone buzzes, and I smile seeing Reef’s number.
“Finally,” I whisper.
“Merry Christmas,” I sing into the phone. “Did you have a good day with your family?”
“I did.” His voice sounds off.
“Is everything okay?”
“You tell me. I see you had a good day and night.”
“I missed you if it’s what you’re talking about.” My heartbeat picks up a notch waiting for him to answer.
“I saw the photo. Why don’t you come clean and tell me you’re not interested in me? You keep playing these fucking games, and I’m sick of it. You can’t stay a night with me, yet you go away for a weekend with Chance. Then you can’t spend a night with me before I leave for Christmas because you’re worried about your father, yet you party into the early hours with your friend at a nightclub and hook-up with one of my mates.”
My gut falls hard hearing the disappointment in his tone. “Reef, it wasn’t like that. He kissed me. I pulled away, and he forced himself on me.”
“Did he? I’ll send you the picture, and you tell me what it looks like? Anyway, I’m done. I don’t have the energy for all your games. I got out of a toxic relationship based on lies and can’t go down the same road again. I thought I could have something with you, but you make it so hard. I’m exhausted trying to make excuses for your behaviour. You’re right, it’s never going to work between us. I intend to finish the season in Adelaide and be traded back to Melbourne to be with my family. So, while I understood you putting your father first, I don’t understand how the rules change one day to the next. Be honest. If not with me to yourself and stop fucking playing games.”
The call’s gone silent.
Shit! He’s ended the call without hearing my side.
My breaths turn fast and shallow, and I can’t stop the burning in my throat and behind my eyes.
My phone dings, and for a moment my hope lifts seeing the message from Reef and falls seeing the image of me kissing his friend. The moment the photograph was taken, I wasn’t pushing away. You can’t see that my arms are trapped. Only my eyes are closed, and from the side, it looks like I’m enjoying the kiss.
“Fuck my life.”
I throw the phone onto the bed.
Reef didn’t even give me a chance.
And he’s being traded at the end of the season.
Who’s not being honest now? When was he going to tell me about this?
I flop on my bed and cover my eyes with my arms and keep my thoughts in the dark. I need to call him back. Does he even want me to call him back?
If his friend ever steps foot in Lombardi’s, I’ll…
Do nothing.
I let out a little sob knowing I can’t say anything to customers. I don’t want to be anywhere near those guys since it took more than one of his friends to set up the prank.
My throat burns, acknowledging his friends didn’t think I was right for Reef. And in truth, I’m not.
Only it’s too late because he already owns my heart, and I didn’t have the courage to tell him. I only hope he’s willing to speak to me when he returns.
I can explain everything when you come home.
It’s a big misunderstanding. x
It takes a few seconds for him to reply.
Don’t bother. We’re done.
He hasn’t even heard my side. I thought I knew him and don’t understand why he’s being unreasonable.
You need to know I do love you.
I was waiting for the right moment to tell you.
To hell with texts. I pick up the phone and call him.
“You say that now?” Is how he answers the phone in a deep, low voice.
“Yes. I do love you. I don’t know what to say to fix this, but your friend forced himself on me and kissed me. We are right for each other, Reef,” I croak. Even though there’s silence, I keep talking. “You know how we talked about where we see each other in ten years? Well, I see myself with you. I mean what can I