Текст книги "Collision"

Автор книги: K. A. Sterritt

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Текущая страница: 8 (всего у книги 17 страниц)

Chapter Twenty

Leo

I’d spent all week thinking about her, and working on the stone wall at the farm did nothing to alter that. Juliette was irrevocably under my skin.

Smack.

It made no sense, but I knew there was nothing I could do about it. The physical attraction was clear as day—we were drawn to each other like magnets. She was drop dead fucking gorgeous, and the lust I’d seen in her eyes convinced me of our mutual desire.

Smack.

But it was more than that. Much more. I wanted to know every detail about her. That was a first for me.

Smack.

Was I that much of a masochist that I wanted a girl obviously laden with baggage, potentially unstable and attached to a man who couldn’t be less like me? Plenty of girls had made their interest known, but none of them had registered anything close to what I felt when I made eye contact with Juliette on fight night, or when I touched her briefly, or when I saw her mask settling over her perfect features and turning her to ice. Perhaps it made perfect sense and our lives were destined to collide exactly when they did.

Smack. Smack. Smack.

I dropped the mallet down on the rough earth and picked up my chisel and straight edge to smooth off one of the surfaces of the first stone I’d worked on in years.

I wasn’t ready to work on the house yet, so I’d decided to start on the drywall boundary—one of the features I loved most. My grandfather had built it with his own hands, and my father had shown me the technique when it had needed repairs over the years we still lived there.

“Leo!” Bea’s voice called out.

I looked up towards the house and saw her standing next to her yellow bug. “Over here.” I watched her turn and acknowledge me with a wave before wandering over.

“I was just at Beans, and Kayla said you were headed here. I had to see it for myself. Never thought I’d see the day,” she said with a sad smile.

“It’s not such a big deal.” I picked up my discarded shirt and wiped the sweat from my face and chest.

“It is a big deal, Leo.”

I shrugged my shoulders. I knew Bea, and Angus to a lesser extent, struggled with the fact that I wouldn’t talk about what happened five years ago, but verbalising it wouldn’t change anything.

“Leo Ashlar bashing on rocks again. That makes me happy.”

“I’m rusty as hell.” I bent over and sifted through my tool box, looking for something I wanted to show her. I found it behind the mallet head tooth chisel. “I could do with a break.”

We both walked over to the gazebo and sat down. I opened my palm for her, revealing a winged horse carved from stone. “I found him this morning when I went looking for my tools in the shed. Do you remember him?”

Bea took it from me, cradling it gently in her hands. “Oh my God. You were totally obsessed with Pegasus and all those Greek myths. I’d totally forgotten about this little guy. He was your favourite, wasn’t he?”

I nodded as Bea’s finger gently traced the intricate curves, her eyes glassy. A few tears slipped down her cheeks. “Where are all the others?”

“I’m not sure.” I took the small horse back from her and wondered how something so small could hold so many memories. “I haven’t seen them in a long time.” I looked up to see Bea’s tear-stained face.

“I’m sorry, Bea.” I moved closer to her and touched her shoulder. I would’ve given her a hug if I weren’t dirty and sweaty. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“No. No. I’m hormonal. I cried at a toilet paper commercial last night. I’m so glad you found him. He brings back such good memories of…” She couldn’t finish her sentence, but I knew what she meant. Bea wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “So you’re here and you’re fixing the wall. Does this mean you’re ready to talk?”

I wiped my brow with the back of my arm and shifted on my seat. “There’s nothing to talk about.” I glanced up to the old, run-down stone house and closed my eyes, wishing looking at it didn’t bring back such horrifying memories.

Bea was clearly unhappy, so I said the one thing I knew would cheer her up.

“I met a girl.”

Her eyes lit up. “What?”

“I met a girl who… well, she kind of rocked my world.” Images of Juliette were now a permanent fixture in my mind.

“Oh my God. This is amazing. When are you seeing her again?”

“Don’t get too excited. She’s got a boyfriend.” I felt irritated to my core even thinking about him. “She’s way out of my league, but she’s further out of his league.”

“Sounds like you’re jealous.” Bea’s recently teary eyes flashed with delight.

“Attached women are not my type, Bea. Plus she’s from a different world.”

“Well it’s great someone has finally made a small dent.”

“I don’t have a wall up, Bea. I just hadn’t met the right girl.”

Bea nodded. “Right girl, wrong time?”

“Pretty much.” I stared at the floor.

Bea picked up her bag and stood up. “Angus and I have a wedding in the city at five. Family friends of Angus’s. Honestly, I’d much rather stay home on the couch with a tub of ice cream, but we’re committed. You know how much I hate the city.”

“Have fun with that. I’m going to put in a few more hours here before heading back to the city. I’m working tonight.”

“Oh yeah. The new gig. Where is it?”

“Just off Liverpool Street—it doesn’t have a name. The manager just gave me directions to the door.”

“Hey. How was Kayla doing this morning when you were there?”

“She seemed to have it all under control.” I put my arm around her shoulders as we walked towards her car.

“You know she’s completely in love with you, right?” She shook her head and laughed.

“She knows the score.” I grimaced, remembering her trying to clean up some crumbs on my trousers and lingering too long on my crotch. “She appeared to be doing a good job for you and that’s the main thing.”

“I’ll have a word to her anyway. I don’t want her flirting with you in front of my other customers.”

I hugged her and held the door as she climbed in.

“We might stop by on our way home from the wedding. It’s in the botanical gardens, so we’ll be close by. Who knows the next time I’ll back be there.” She smiled.

“I’ll text you directions. Have a great night, Bea.”

I watched her car bump along out to the road, vowing I would fix the cobbled stone driveway next.

Chapter Twenty-One

Juliette

Coming home from Friday night drinks last night, I once again got the feeling I was being watched. It was nothing concrete exactly, just a strange sensation backed up by no evidence. I had one more week to wait for fight night, and the need for it was palpable. I could’ve easily caught a cab home, but I refused to allow fear to infiltrate my psyche. Choosing the side streets and alleyways over the well-lit main roads, I purposely took the long way home.

I’d caught sight of a man in a dark grey hoodie, ducking out of sight when I looked his way. When I reached the river, I waited by a closed paper stand for him to appear again. Fifteen minutes passed and no one approached, so I gave up and wandered home, lost in my thoughts. Was it the same guy? Why was he still following me? What could he possibly want?

Sia and Juniper had insisted I spend the morning with them getting primped and preened for the wedding. I loved Juniper, but she reminded me of whom I was meant to be. She had dreamed of her wedding day all her life and everything was going to be perfect. For her family to be able to afford such a premium venue, the wedding was being held in winter rather than the more popular warmer seasons.

Sia kept asking about the mystery man and the big changes in my life, but I remained tight lipped. Richard and I’d been together for three years and broken up for less than a week. It wasn’t a case of getting over him, because I don’t think I was actually ever on him. I just didn’t want to talk about my love life. I was more than happy to concentrate on Juniper’s. I headed home just after lunch and spent a few hours tending my little garden and reading.

The wedding ceremony was being held at Gardens House in the Royal Botanic Gardens at five, followed by a reception cocktail party. It was walking distance, but in my silver heels it felt like a marathon. With my overcoat shielding me from the cold, I made my way into the heart of the Gardens and found the beautiful double-storey Georgian house. A marquee had been set up on the manicured lawns, presumably for the reception, but guests were milling around outside with champagne waiting for the ceremony to begin. They were incredibly lucky it was a clear day so it could be outside. There had to have been a rock solid plan B.

My light mood was immediately darkened by an unexpected familiar voice. “You look beautiful, my love.”

My head snapped up and my posture immediately slumped before I managed to push my shoulders back. “What are you doing here?” I seethed.

“We were invited, Juliette.” His feathers weren’t remotely ruffled, and he was matter-of-fact with his response. “Of course I’m here.”

I took a few purposeful steps to close the distance between us so I could get right up in his face. “These are my friends and we’re broken up. I already told them you wouldn’t be attending.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. We haven’t broken up.” He gestured between us, and when his hand touched me, I flinched. “I told you this isn’t over until I say so.”

“And I told you never to touch me again, you arrogant bastard.” I took a step back. “Trust me when I tell you we’ve broken up. You complained incessantly about having to go to this wedding, and suddenly you turn up when you’re no longer invited. I don’t get it.”

“You needed some space and time to cool off and see the error of your ways. Being the gentlemen that I am, I rose above your disgraceful behaviour and decided to give you another chance.”

My hands flew up in frustration. “I don’t want another chance. I don’t want to be with you and I don’t think you want to be with me. Why are you pushing this? It doesn’t make sense to me.”

“Juliette!” Sia called out when she saw me and came rushing over. “You look amazing. I knew that dress was killer.” She turned to Richard and scowled. “I didn’t think you were coming.”

“Misunderstanding, I’m afraid,” Richard replied, smiling disingenuously. “I hope Juliette’s dramas won’t cause any catering issues.”

Before Sia had a chance to reply, her mother appeared looking flustered. “It’s about to begin, Sia. You need to take your place.”

“Sorry, I have to run.” She looked at Richard. “This is my sister’s wedding day. Don’t ruin it, please.”

I was humiliated and so incredibly deflated. Five minutes before I’d been congratulating myself on starting afresh and moving forward, and there I was, taking shit from Richard.

When Sia and her mother left, I took a deep breath. “Just stay away from me tonight. I don’t know why you’re here, but Zac and Juniper’s wedding isn’t the time or place to discuss it.”

Richard just laughed, an evil laugh, reminiscent of the night in the alleyway. It seemed he had other ideas about our breakup. He and my mother just didn’t seem to be getting the hint that this farcical relationship was over.

I stormed off to find a seat so I could try to enjoy the ceremony. Rows of white chairs were set up on the other side of the house. Most were already occupied, but I spotted one with a handbag on it. I shuffled past a few guests lingering in the aisle.

“Excuse me,” I said, trying to get the attention of the lady in the next seat with her back to me. When she turned around, I got my second surprise for the evening. “Bea! What are you doing here?”

“Jules?” She appeared as shocked as I was and quickly took her handbag off the chair so I could sit down. “I could ask you the same thing. This is my husband, Angus.” She put her hand on the knee of the man sitting next to her. “Angus, this is Jules. She’s my coffee-loving twin.”

I leaned over Bea and shook Angus’s hand. “Pleasure to meet you. So how do you guys know Zac and Juniper?”

“Zac’s family and mine go way back,” Angus informed me. “We haven’t met his wife-to-be yet though.”

“How do you know them?” Bea asked.

“My best friend at work is Juniper’s sister, Sia, and Zac is my trainer at the gym.”

She shook her head. “Wow. Small world.”

“I’ve been noticing that a bit lately.” I sighed, thinking of Leo and hoping my cheeks didn’t look as hot as they felt.

“So where’s your boyfriend?” she asked, looking around.

“Ex-boyfriend. We broke up last week. Unfortunately, he’s here, but I’ve told him to stay away from me.”

“Oh. Jules, I’m sorry. Are you okay?” she asked.

“I really am.” I didn’t elaborate because I didn’t want to talk about it.

“Shuffle up.” Richard’s voice cut through the mood.

I looked up into a smug face.

“Richard Sacks,” Angus said in a surprisingly unfriendly tone, shaking Richard’s outstretched hand. “This is my wife, Beatrix.”

He nodded towards Bea.

“You know each other?” I asked, shocked.

“Gussie and I worked together for a while in the city. I heard you’re stuck out in some tiny regional office?”

I glanced at Angus, who was rolling his eyes. Clearly, he wasn’t a Richard fan either. The group of people who disliked my ex was getting bigger.

We all shuffled along to make room for him to sit next to me on the aisle.

The music playing through the speakers stopped and the Wedding March started. The audience fell silent and turned around, waiting to see the bride. Juniper passed us in a silver satin gown with shoestring straps and a fluffy stole wrapped around her shoulders. She was breathtaking. My eyes glazed over when I was hit with a sudden rush of emotion, and I felt like I might cry from seeing her so radiant and happy. And why wouldn’t she be? She was marrying a really good guy whom she loved and was loved wholeheartedly in return. Zac spoke kindly about everyone, except Richard, but when he spoke about Juniper, it was with reverence, awe and a love I couldn’t comprehend. My parents always appeared indifferent to each other, and my only long-term relationship had been a complete farce.

I watched the ceremony but didn’t hear any words. My mind was drifting to a million different places at a hundred miles an hour. When everyone stood up and clapped, I was shocked back to reality and realised Richard had his arm around me. I quickly pushed him off and gave him my best glare. He just smiled. The MC announced there were drinks and canapés in the marquee while the bride, groom and families had their photos taken in the surrounding gardens.

As the evening wore on, I found it increasingly irritating that Richard wouldn’t leave me alone. There were only so many times I could use the bathroom, but it was my favourite excuse as he couldn’t come with me.

“I need to go too,” Bea said.

“Don’t be too long, my love,” Richard said as we moved away from the group.

The toilets were on the ground level of the Georgian house.

“What’s going on there?” Bea asked when we were out of earshot. “He isn’t acting like an ex-boyfriend.”

“I honestly have no idea,” I replied. “He just won’t accept we’ve broken up and it’s getting really irritating. I don’t get it. We weren’t good together.”

“I hope I’m not speaking out of turn, but Angus said he was a real piece of work. He doesn’t trust him.”

My heart sank further and I made a mental note to speak to my mother, given her charity was Richard’s major client. Angus and Zac both saw something untoward about the guy when I’d been completely oblivious. I’d never considered myself to have a great radar for these types of things, but surely I could have had an inkling that there was something seriously off about my boyfriend of almost three years.

We returned to the marquee in time for the speeches. Sia, as maid of honour, spoke first.

“Good evening, friends and family,” she began. “Thank you for being with us today to witness my gorgeous big sister, who also happens to be my best friend, marry the love of her life, my new brother-in-law, Zac. Something not many of you might know is that Juniper was the Saint of Comedy. Despite the fact my sister wasn’t named after the saint, I think it’s fitting nonetheless. By the way, she wasn’t named after the small evergreen shrub either.” Everyone chuckled, and I wondered what she was named after. “Juni is the funniest, kindest and most loving person I know, and she deserves the happiness she found with Zac.”

“Awwwwww,” the audience sighed out loud.

I looked over at Zac and Juniper and they kissed lightly on the lips. Then Zac kissed her cheek. They were such a beautiful couple.

“Anyway, I’m going to embarrass my sister now. We met Zac on a night out with friends. It was obvious to everyone there that they had an immediate connection. On our way home that night, she told me Zac was the one, he was her wonderlove. I rolled my eyes, obviously. ‘Don’t you mean wonderlust?’ I suggested. Her reply has stayed with me ever since.

“‘No,’ she confirmed. ‘Wonderlust is when you’re not sure if you’re lusting after someone or if you’re actually in love. Wonderlove is when you’re so goddamn sure you’re in love, you wonder how you’ll breathe without them. You wonder how your heart hadn’t burst right out of your chest when you met. You don’t wonder if they feel the same way because you know they do. Wonderlove is once in a lifetime, life altering, it’s blinding and it’s worth fighting for. Zac is my wonderlove and I’m his.’”

“It’s true,” Juniper said, tears running down her face.

“It’s obvious to everyone in this room that we’re celebrating wonderlove here tonight and, my beautiful sister, I couldn’t be happier for you.”

Everyone clapped.

“Oh, and one more thing. You know you were named after Juniper berries that flavoured Mum’s gin, right?” She held up her champagne glass to toast. “To wonderlove.”

“Wonderlove,” the audience repeated.

Everyone clapped as she left the podium.

I was having trouble getting Leo out of my head and I realised how much I wanted to see him again.

“Are you okay, Jules?” Bea asked. “You look pale.”

“I think I might get some fresh air,” I replied, smiling half-heartedly.

Realising I hadn’t seen Richard in a while, I glanced around the marquee. He had disappeared and for some reason, that made me feel uneasy. I decided I would confront him away from the other guests in an attempt to get some answers. Excusing myself from Bea, Angus and some other guests in our circle, I grabbed my coat and headed towards the exit. A waiter offered me another glass of champagne, which I took gratefully. A little extra Dutch courage couldn’t hurt. It was dark and cold outside, and I wrapped my coat around me tighter. Looking both ways, I turned left and walked the long side of the marquee. As I rounded the corner, I saw him leaning up against a tree, smoking a cigarette. He puffed rings of smoke.

“How sweet. Missed me, did you?” His voice and manner dripped with sarcasm and made my skin crawl.

“Not a chance. I’m just trying to work out why you’re here in the first place.”

“Can you really not see what’s going on? If you value your safety and those you care about, I’d suggest you get back on board with our relationship.”

“What the fuck are you talking about?” I took a few steps towards him and saw his eyes blacken.

“I don’t actually want to see anything bad happen. Just pull your head in and let’s go back to the way things were.”

I was rendered speechless as my brain tried to process his words. As they sunk in, I felt nauseous. Was he really threatening my friends’ safety because I broke up with him?

“Let me go, Richard.” I didn’t want to fight with him again. I just wanted him out of my life. “We don’t belong together and the sooner you realise that, the better. We’re over. I broke up with you, and even if you don’t like it, bad luck.”

He threw his arms in the air. “I knew that bartender was trouble. You’re different since you laid eyes on him.”

“Go to Hell, Richard.” I started walking away, realising I couldn’t breathe the same air as him for another second. Before I got too far, I was grabbed around the waist and shoved up against the closest tree.

“Listen here, you unstable little freak.” He had both my arms pinned to the tree on either side of me. “You need to get down off your high horse and start playing ball.”

“Or what?” I seethed, barely able to refrain from spitting in his face.

“Or—”

Richard was yanked off me before he could finish his sentence.

“What the fuck?” Angus was holding Richard in a vise grip and Bea was standing next to him, stunned.

“Are you okay?” Bea asked, hurrying forward to check on me.

I pushed myself off the tree and dusted off. Bits of bark were stuck to the back of my dress and my hair was no doubt a teased mess. “I’m fine, thanks.” I stormed past all three of them and made for the ladies’ room, desperately wanting to fix myself up and calm down.

Bea appeared next to me, and I locked eyes with her reflection. She put her arm around me and held my gaze. I felt strengthened by her show of solidarity and refused to let the threatening tears fall. “Angus and I are leaving. We’re going to have a quick drink with a friend in the city. Will you come with us?”

I was ready to leave but not ready to go home by myself yet, so I nodded my agreement. “I’ll just say goodbye to Sia, Juniper and Zac.”

It took ages to leave as suspected. Sia was drunk and wanted me to stay and dance with her. It was almost midnight when, half an hour later, we were in Bea’s yellow VW.

“I’m sorry about the dramas with Richard,” I said, embarrassed by the whole scene we’d caused. “He’s taking our breakup really badly.”

“That was pretty fucked up, Juliette,” Angus said, turning to face me in the back seat. “You should be careful, and if he threatens you again, call the police. Get a restraining order against him.”

“I will.” Richard had always been so harmless. It all seemed completely ludicrous.

We found a place to park the car and Bea consulted her phone for directions. “Apparently this place is so cool it doesn’t even have a name.” She rolled her eyes, and I couldn’t help laughing. She was so down to earth it was refreshing.