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Just like every other country town, up until a few years ago, this was the only ‘international cuisine’ available. Living in the city has certainly made me grateful for food besides the typical meat and three veg.

When we walk up to the brick façade Kiara is waiting. Long dark hair frames her heart-shaped face, which breaks into a smile when she sees me coming. I shoot a quick glance over my shoulder in case Jake is there, but she wraps me in a hug before I can even process that she was smiling at me.

“Eden! It’s so great to finally meet you!” She pulls away and watches me with twinkling blue eyes. “Well, actually meet you. You sure gave us a run for our money in the dodge ‘em cars at the show!”

I laugh, chest constricting uncomfortably as I remember the look of pure joy on Oliver’s face as we did everything in my power to beat Jake. “It’s great to see you too!” I respond with, hoping my voice doesn’t sound as tight as it feels.

Jake arrives then, quickly pulling her aside for a chaste kiss. I pretend to ignore the prickling in my fingers, remembering how Oliver’s stubble felt under my touch when I kissed him on top of the hill.

Fuck.

Will I ever stop thinking about him?

Shaking that useless thought aside, we make our way inside to our table.

Dinner lets me retreat into my mind for a moment. Having such a large family is fantastic for this. It’s always so noisy that no-one seems to notice your lack of contribution.

I eat slowly, trying my hardest to keep my mouth full in case anyone wants to ask questions. It works a few times. It’s amazing how many responses a grunt can cover. Oliver is mentioned briefly again by Charlie and the concerned look Kiara sends my way makes me want to throw up on the lazy Susan. The prawn cracker in my mouth turns to dust as I try to swallow.

“We haven’t spoken about that, Charlie. He’s been busy.”

“You promised you would bring him back! He promised to come back!”

“Leave her alone, Charlie,” Mum warns. He sits back in his chair, arms crossed and pouting. That image does bring a smile to my mouth, one that the situation doesn’t call for. I can only wonder how Oliver would respond. Probably rough up Charlie’s hair and ask him to show him his new bike. He took to being an older brother like a duck to water.

The rest of the family don’t mention him during the dinner, thank God. I feel like every day without him is just another day for my heart to grow stronger. And with everyone ripping off the band-aids I’ve so carefully plastered all over it, my heart is taking longer and longer to heal.

I drive back with Dad, who keeps the worried looks to a minimum as I stare out the window. It’s so strange how a place you’ve known your whole life can look completely different. Streetlights cast an orange glow on everything, and all I can think about is him.

Him at the farmhouse.

Him at the craft store.

Him driving through town.

We pull into the driveway just as my thoughts start to get away from me, becoming tangled webs I can’t seem to hold onto.

And that’s when I see him.

25

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Oliver.

I’m not sure why I even responded to Gemma’s message. Messages, actually. She wouldn’t stop blowing up my phone until I responded. Jake did the same.

I’m not sure why I’m here. I’m not sure why I thought this was a good idea.

But when that car door opens…

Well, I’m sure.

The porch is dark besides the front door light. There’s a lamp inside streaming out of the windows, casting an orange glow across the veranda. Cicadas are buzzing nearby, and I swear if I concentrate enough I can hear the chickens clucking. I’ve missed the sights and smells of the farm– it feels like home. Haven’t missed the chickens though. I definitely have not missed the chickens.

I’m not sure if she can see me, silhouetted against the house. I take a step forward out of the shadows.

Eden looks up and blinks once, twice. As she gets closer I can see the tears threatening to fall, dark circles under her eyes suggesting the same pain I’ve been trying to ignore. Doubt seizes me for a moment before a brilliant smile splits her face in two. And that’s when I can breathe again for the first time in weeks.