again. Sadness. Anger. Disappointment. I was exhausted by the time I left. Still, I blamed you, and I’m sorry. It’s not an excuse, but I was confused and hurt and still hurting about us, and blaming you was easier. Easy because it felt like you were part of a tug-o-war. She wanted you for her stepdaughter, and I acted like I had some sort of claim on you. She didn’t ask about Dad or our life… only you.”
“She’s a self-absorbed woman.”
“Well, I’m guessing something happened between Felicity and you that explains your trust issues?”
“Yeah. But it’s in the past.” I pull into a park and kill the engine. Neither of us attempted to leave the car.
“Do you think about her?” she whispers.
“Only in anger. Like now because of the shit storm that’s gone down. I don’t like to think I hate people, but I dislike her immensely.”
“Even though you shared history together, you must have had some good times.”
“We did.” I open the door, not liking where the conversation is heading. “But then everything changed.”
We walk quietly together a safe distance between us, and I don’t reach for her hand. Making our way to the front of the queue, I nod to the bouncer, and he allows us to pass.
“Evening, Mr Burton.”
“Sergio. Hope you’re having a good night.” I hold the door for Macy, and we weave through the crowd in search of Hunter, Chance, and his teammates. I leave Macy with the guys while I snake back to the bar to grab us some drinks. Hands full, I bump into Brody and Davidson.
“Hey, man.” Brody slaps my back. “Good to see you.”
I nod to them both. “Heads up… I have Macy over in the corner standing with Hunter and Chance. I’d appreciate you apologising to her tonight.”
“You two sorted it out?” Brody asks.
“Slowly.”
Both guys have apologised repeatedly to me. It’s Macy they need to speak to now.
After handing Macy a gin and tonic, I stand beside Chance since she’s deep in conversation with Hunter.
“When will we next catch up?” I ask Chance.
“I won’t be back here for a while. Dad and I have been talking about some new projects while Mum’s visiting Gran in the US.”
“I noticed he’d lost weight. We chatted a bit at the party.”
“He’s okay at present. Had a health scare he doesn’t want to talk about but emphasised he’s fine now.”
“I’ll get you all tickets to the first game we play in Melbourne.”
Chance pats my back. “Dad will appreciate it.” He glances down at my empty glass. “You want another?”
“Nah. I’m going to head home.”
He nudges in Macy’s direction. “How’s it going?”
“We have talked some. I need to have a good think before we take any further steps. I don’t want to mislead her.”
“She doesn’t know?”
I shake my head. “Not something I share with people. You know, and my family. That’s it.”
“You know treatments have improved, and there are other options—”
“I’m at the point of so be it. I’m not looking into anything unless I have to. And at present, I have plans and a whole lot of living to do before I worry about it.”
“Hey,” Brody says and lands a hand on my shoulder.
Davidson gives me a nod. “Do you mind if we have a quiet word with Macy?”
“You’ll have to ask Macy.” I step aside and allow them to pass. Macy’s jaw drops when they move toward her. I stay close, so she knows I’m here for her.
“Macy, do you have a minute?”
The music pumps over the speakers, and Brody yells for her to hear him. I can keep a safe distance as I’ll hear every word.
“We’re sorry it’s taken us a while to apologise. We never meant for it to go as far as it did.”
She frowns at Brody but remains silent.
“We were wasted, and it was a stupid prank,” Davidson says.
Damn right, I want to add.
“Reef, here, has given us a hard time, and we never meant to hurt you. We really like you and can’t believe we were so stupid,” Brody tells her.
“It was. And you did hurt me.” She glances past them to me. “You hurt us,” she adds.
“What can we do to fix it?” Davidson asks. “We’ve wanted to come and see you for weeks.”
She hands them her glass. “You can start by buying me a drink… and Reef.”
“I’m all good. I have to get going.” I wave at the group, satisfied my friends have given her an apology.
Macy’s eyes round. “You’re going now?” she yells over the