Page 42 of Unspoken Hearts
Downstairs, Austin is waiting for the two of us, talking quietly with Reid, while Hazel keeps Aspen occupied out on the porch with paints.
Noticing us, Austin clears his throat. Reid turns to see us. His gaze moves over me to Grayson’s arm draped over me, and I see the tick in his jaw muscles. My heart stutters for a beat when Reid meets my eyes, duller and narrower, before disappearing out the back door, almost like he can’t stand seeing Grayson and I together.
Watching him leave with parted lips, Austin’s words steal back my attention before I have time to overthink things. “Are you ready to go, Macie?”
“Yes, sir,” I answer politely.
Sniffing a laugh, he leads Grayson and I out to his ute. I get in the back of the older, worn car. The seats are sun bleached and the windows dusty. Austin blasts his usual AC/DC through the stereo, and normally I’d be humming along to the lyrics, but right now all I feel is the lump forming in my throat.
It’s about a fifteen minute drive to my house, which is closer to the outer border of Ashwood Creek. Thankfully less people need to lay eyes on it.
I have always been embarrassed of living there ever since Axel and I moved to this small town, which is why we hardly invited people over. I tried keeping it as maintained and tidy as I could, but whenever Aunt Lucy came back, it’s like the world was thrown upside down. Bottles everywhere, cigarette cartons, empty chip packets and worn clothes were strewn about.
We turn the corner and I see Mr Jones’ shiny car parked out the front. The man owns one of the largest cattle farms in the area, and I’m really not sure why this house he owns is as crap as it is, but I should also be thankful because the rent was super affordable.
Although, that will definitely change now…
Polished and domineering, his ute stands out against the dustier cars parked in the quiet street. Houses line either side, most of them quaint and pretty, except for my eyesore of a place.
Pulling up behind him, I jump out. Grayson is right beside me, slamming the door shut.
“Are you okay?”
I nod, not really thinking of words right now as he guides me towards the broken gate. The front door is wide open, and all I can make out is Walter inside shouting obscenities into the air.
Bracing myself, I suck in a breath before entering.
It’s pretty much the same as when Grayson and I left it. Timber, metal and plaster lies in a heap in the living room. A metre wide hole looks up at the roof framing, exposing the sunken ceiling.
Walter stands in his flannel shirt and dusty jeans, hands crossed in front of his broad chest. Peppering hair, olive skin and deep eyes that creep me out with how murky and beady they are, he just keeps muttering loudly with anger.
“Walter,” Austin interrupts him suddenly.
Spinning around, Walter’s eyes snap to mine and narrow. Cheeks flushed bright red and brows pulled together aggressively, my hopes of him being kind and in a good mood dies instantly.
“What have you done, you stupid girl?”
My mouth gapes as Grayson grabs onto my arm.
“Walter, please, we are here to calmly discuss this,” Austin says firmly, putting a hand up to him.
Walter’s mouth tightens, wrinkles forming in his skin.
I answer defensively, “This wasn’t my fault. The ceiling was already leaking before it collapsed. It was already damaged.”
“It wasn’t leaking when Lucy signed the lease.”
“That was twenty years ago,” I counter, crossing my arms tightly.
Austin speaks up again, stepping between us. “Walter, please, can we talk about this civilly?”
His head shakes, turning back to assess the damage. I make eye contact with a wary Grayson, who remains quiet.
“This is going to cost a lot,” Walter mutters under his breath.
My jaw clenches painfully tight. Considering he has a shiny new ute parked out on the street, I have no doubt that he can afford to fix this.
It’s just a matter of if he wants to or not.
