AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The drinks arrived in record time, and Samantha held her cocktail up to Shea’s. ‘To becoming an honest woman real soon.’
‘I know, right.’ Shea couldn’t smile any wider if she tried. ‘I seriously can’t believe I’m going to be a married chickee in two sleeps’ time.’
Nodding, Samantha moaned in foodie pleasure when she took her first sip of what could be one of the yummiest espresso martinis she’d ever had – who’d have thought it would be in Gum Tree Gully of all the places. ‘And FYI, I think it’s about time, too.’
‘Yeah, tell me about it.’ Shea rolled her eyes.
‘Ha, I am.’
‘You’re so funny, Sammie, not.’ Shea winked, then chuckled. ‘But seriously, I hear you. It was just between building up the business, then having an unplanned baby, which I wouldn’t change for the world, mind you, then with Mum getting sick, well …’ She sniffled, as if holding emotions at bay. ‘Life has had a way of stalling us at every possibility.’
‘It’s been a big few years, hey.’ Reaching across the table, Samantha took Shea’s hand and gave it a tender squeeze; the guilt she felt every time she saw Shea upset about her mum’s passing pressed in on her from all sides. ‘I honestly don’t know two other people worthy enough of tying the knot than you and Jack, and I can’t wait to be right beside you when you do,’ she added, with a wobbly smile.
‘I do.’
‘You’re not meant to say that yet.’ Samantha chuckled, and sat back. ‘Especially not to me,’ she added playfully.
‘No, you crazy loon, I meant I know two other people who should be tying the knot, but aren’t.’
Samantha was instantly curious. ‘Who?’ She darted her eyes around the café, expecting Shea to subtly point someone out.
‘You and Connor.’ Solemnity filled Shea’s regard of her.
‘Oh, Shea, stop it, that’s just silly talk.’
‘Seriously, Sammie.’ Shea sat forward. ‘It’s about time you faced up to the truth of who you are, of where your soul wants to be, and who your heart is held by.’
‘That’s a heck of a lot I need to sort out, don’t you think?’ Her reply was curt, clipped, majorly defensive, she knew, but Shea had hit a bewildering sore point.
‘I’m sorry, Sammie, but sometimes caring is via tough love, and I know that’s what I’m doing right now, and it’s hard for me to be so blatantly honest, but I love you, and I only want what’s best for you.’
Softening her tone, because she knew Shea was coming from a good place, and was right about needing to find her core, Samantha chose to speak from her heart for once, instead of her head. ‘I do need to do all the things you mentioned, to find my peace, and my true happiness, but it’s really hard when I’ve been fundamentally running from myself all these years.’
‘I know, and I get it.’ Shea stole a moment, and took a breath. ‘The best way around it is to start with the obvious.’
‘Which is?’
‘To acknowledge you may have gone and dated the wrong brother all those years ago.’ Shea grimaced.
Samantha had to agree. ‘Touché.’
‘Oh my gosh, you’ve honestly thought that, too?’
‘Since I’ve been back here, and spent time with Connor, yes, I have.’ Man, it felt good being honest.
‘Well, in that case.’ Shea raised both hands in the air. ‘Why not do something about it, my friend, and go on a proper date with Connor, huh?’
‘No.’
Shea’s nod was exaggerated. ‘Yes.’
And so was Samantha’s shake of her head. ‘No.’
‘And why not?’
The thought of doing so made Samantha’s heart skitter, but she quickly pulled it into line. ‘Because I’m going back to London at the end of next week, and whether I like it or not, for the foreseeable future, that’s where my life is.’
‘You could just pack up and move back here.’
