Page 37 of Cut up
I don’t say anything. I understand exactly what she means. All the things I wish Dad could still be around to see. It breaks my heart.
“I’m really sorry about your dad too. When did you lose him?”
My chest feels heavy talking about it, but there’s something about Cam that makes me feel safe talking about the hard things…
“Two years ago. Lung cancer. He quit smoking when we were kids, but it still got him. He was sick for a long time. Honestly, it was a relief for him—to finally rest. But I miss him every day. I wonder if it gets easier… but after what you said, maybe it doesn’t.”
“It doesn’t,” she says quietly. “But you learn to live with it.”
“Tell me about her.”
“Her name was Ava. Honestly?” Her voice is quiet. “I’m so scared of forgetting her sometimes. We didn’t have many photos together, because it was just us most of my early life. But I remember her laugh. Her glow. She was like an angel.” She lets out a small laugh as she wipes a tear. “I actually look a lot like her. When I see myself in the mirror, I see her. She was kind, funny, patient. She loved to teach, cook and draw. She was a teacher at my school growing up. She was my best friend. She is irreplaceable.”
She smiles through her tears and takes my hands.
“Tell me about your dad.”
I open my mouth to speak, but—
“Ahem.” Tyler clears his throat as he walks in. We drop each other’s hands quickly. “I’m not interrupting anything, am I?” Not waiting for an answer as he drops onto the couch between us and grabs a brownie. He takes a bite. “Damn, these are good. Did you make them?”
Camille stares at him for a beat, then laughs. “Yep. Help yourself. Just save me a few, okay? I’m heading to bed.”
She gives me a knowing look. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight,” I echo, watching her walk away.
Once we hear her door close, Tyler nods at the TV. “What the hell are we watching?”
I pass him the remote. “Vampire Diaries. You can change it. I’m going to bed.”
He smirks. “Alright, mate. But what was going on with you and Cammie just now?”
“Nothing. We were talking.” I don’t want to share her story—it’s not mine to tell.
He raises a brow. “I’m not blind. I see it. You’re gonna fall for her. Fight it all you want, but I know it.”
“You’re probably right. But she just wants to be friends. I can dojust friends,” I say, though it doesn’t feel true. “Also—give me those mate,” I take the plate. “She made them for herself. Don’t finish them.”
I bring the dish back to the kitchen and head to bed. After a cold shower, I collapse onto my mattress, exhaustion pulling me under fast.
24
Missed calls
I could seriously get used to waking up in this room. The bed Lucas has in my room is so comfortable.
Gizmo has adjusted well too. She already loves Lucas, she tries to climb on his lap every time he sits down. And girl. I get it. I’d like to sit in that lap too.
I haven’t been alone with Lucas since the other night. I don’t know if it’s a good thing or a bad thing. Every time he’s around, I want to be near him. But I know I shouldn’t.
I’ve only got a half day at work today, so I invited Danielle over for a swim and dinner this arvo. I love cooking, it makes me happy when I’ve got people to cook for.
I’ve learned by now that mornings here are always quiet. The boyshead out super early, so the house is all mine.
Fresh from my shower, I’m wearing just my white bra and underwear. I head to the kitchen to make breakfast.
I’ve barely grabbed the pan when I hear the front door open.
