Page 36 of Fast Track to Forever
“I have no doubt my dear. Particularly now that you're seeing my brother.”
I must not have control over my facial expressions because Daryl waves his hand at my face and laughs.
“Now, now, don't look so shocked. It's best to be practical with these things. Milk him for what he's worth. Not like that. I mean you can like that as well… stop laughing!”
I can’t. I’m clutching my gut and every bark of laughter is like sunshine to my hope-starved soul.
“It's a good idea, no?” Daryl grumbles as I catch my breath and push myself upright. “Have him model some stuff. A bracelet. A t-shirt. Whatever.”
“Thanks for the pep talk, Daryl.”
“Anytime, darl. Just happy that he's happy.”
My mobile rings. It's mum. “I'm sorry, I need to take this.”
“Go ahead, darling, I think we're in a good place with the wedding planning.”
I nod and answer the phone. “Hey mum, what's up?”
“I can't get a hold of your dad, Kat. His phone keeps going to voicemail. I'm worried.”
I exhale. “It'll be alright, mum. Maybe his phone died. He's probably on his way home as we speak. Say, where was he going?”
“He went to Glenorchy to talk to a supplier.”
“Ok. Keep me updated.” I end the call and sag in the plush lodge armchair.
Daryl tidies away the sketches and colour swatches I’d put together for his wedding with John. “Everything alright?”
I blow a loose strand of hair off my face. “Mum being mum. Worried about my dad not answering his phone. He’s probably just having a good chat with the supplier from Glenorchy.”
Daryl closes the folder and puts it in front of his chest. “That’s where the guys have gone today, to the golf club that way. Do you want me to call John?”
I chuckle. “It's not like you to need an excuse to call John.”
He points the folder towards me. “I’d say text Will, but he’s driving.”
I shrug. “Nikos is with them as well.” I stare out the window. “He’s changed a lot though. I don’t recognize him. Was he always so douchey?”
Daryl frowns and gazes out the window. “To me at least he was.”
Before I get a chance to process this, my phone vibrates again. Aunt Gem’s name pops up, a reminder of my total avoidance of responsibilities this holiday. I sigh. “I’m sorry, I need to take this.”
Daryl waves the folder. “I’ll just take this upstairs, you stay down here.”
He exits the lounge, and I purse my lips as I take the call. “Hello.”
My aunt’s grouchy voice rings through clearly. “You don’t have to sound so displeased I called. Geez, Kat.”
“I’m sorry, Gem, just had a few full-on days.”
“Have you thought more about coming back early?”
I inhale. Courage, Kat! I speak fast, before she gets a chance to interrupt.
“Not really,but. I had a great idea I wanted to share with you. I’m thinking of starting an upcycled vintage business. Basically get in fabric, garments, accessories, and give them a new lease of life. Sell online. Maybe you can stock some in the shop.”
An uncomfortable silence greets me at the other end of the line. Uh oh. This isn’t going so well, is it?
