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  “How long is awhile?” he asked irritably. “One hour? Two?”

  “Try two months.”

  “Two months?”

  Well, to be truthful it had initially been a month, but two months away seemed like a good idea. She hadn’t had a real plan in mind.

  “Two bloody months? Where the hell are you?”

  “On holiday.”

  “You can’t be on bloody holiday! I’ve booked you into the Bardot Club! Tomorrow night, Elissa. Tomorrow night.”

  “I told you not to book anything anymore. I told you a couple of months ago I was coming for Ash’s wedding and to house-sit while she’s on honeymoon, I even emailed you about it.” She rubbed the hem of her blouse between thumb and forefinger. “I said I needed a break. In fact, I told you I wasn’t coming back and-”

  “Are you kidding me?” Calum was furious, his voice harsh, accusing. “Are you trying to ruin me?”

  “No, don’t be silly. I just don’t want to do this. You know, I told you-”

  “Don’t want to do this?” His voice rose, grating in her ear. “Don’t want to do this? Bloody hell, Elissa, you better start thinking things over, and I mean seriously. I’m sick of this wishy-washy attitude of yours. I made you. I got you these jobs. You get your bloody arse back here by tomorrow. You’re on at the club. You hear me?”

  Her grip on the mobile tightened, her heart beating in her throat. “Calum, I’m not coming back for it. You’ll have to cancel it.”

  “You are coming back,” he snarled. “You get your arse in a car, on a bus, on a train, on a plane, I don’t bloody care which, but you get back here or there’s going to be a reckoning. You owe me, Elissa. You owe a lot of people and they’re all counting on you. You hear me?”

  “Actually, I can do what I like because I didn’t sign the con-”

  “If you think-”

  “I paid my dues, Calum. I don’t owe anyone anything.”

  “I don’t want to listen to your pathetic excuses, Elissa. You’ll toe the line or I’ll make you very sorry.”

  Any peace was gone, contentedness washed away as surely as the rain washed rivulets of dirt down the side of a mountain. Blankly, she stared out at the rain-drenched yard.

  “Elissa!” Calum barked her name out. “Bardot’s Club, tomorrow night. Be there or-” His voice cut out as she flipped the mobile closed.

  Her teeth clenched. Owe him. Owe them. Owe them all. After what they did, they think I owe them. But what about me? A muscle jumped in her jaw. There was no her, was there? Just everyone else as far as they were concerned. If she were harder, more ruthless, she could take it, but there was still a part of her that just wanted acceptance. Like that was going to happen. Even her own parents couldn’t accept her. Well, they’d have to now.

  The sound of a phone ringing inside jerked her head up, had her surging to her feet. Surely Calum hadn’t guessed where she’d gone? Gotten Ash’s phone number from her mother?

  Chapter 4

  Lunging through the door, she came to a halt, relief flooding her when she saw Ash laughing as she spoke into the phone while standing in front of the open ‘fridge.

  “Glad the roof’s not leaking. Elissa is lazing outside with a book, and good on her. I’m about to make dinner, but…” Ash’s nose wrinkled. “Damn, no bread. I was going to make us a couple of toasted sandwiches. Yeah, use up the left over meat, add some onion and cheese. Guess I’ll find something else.”

  Pocketing the mobile, Elissa managed a small smile when Ash glanced at her. Almost immediately she saw the change on her friend’s face, the concern drawing her smooth brows together. Damn, she’d guessed something was wrong.

  “I’ll call you back-” Ash began.

  No. No way. No way could she face questions now.

  Moving fast, determinedly, Elissa started across the room. “I’ll get some bread from the service station.”

  “Wait-”

  “No, it’s fine. All good. Can I borrow your car?”

  “Just wait, Del.” Holding the phone, Ash started to protest. “Elissa, what’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.” Smiling wider, forcing a cheer she certainly didn’t feel, Elissa gestured to several keys hanging on a row of hooks above the kitchen bench. “Which one is the car key?”

  Cradling the phone in her hand, the ‘fridge door still open and sending undoubtedly cold drafts up her skirt, Ash’s worried gaze flicked from the keys to Elissa.

  “Please.” Trying to hold back the frustration, the sadness, trying to maintain a happy façade and failing bloody miserably, if Ash’s growing concern was any indication, Elissa clenched her fists a little, forced them to relax. Forced herself to meet her friend’s searching gaze. “Please, Ash. A drive will do me good, a little me time. You know?”

  They looked at each other for several seconds before Ash finally nodded. “Okay.”

  She didn’t say she understood, didn’t pretend to know, the compassion in her eyes touching Elissa deeply. More deeply than she wanted to right then, because to say things she wasn’t ready to share… All she wanted was to be alone, gather her shaken thoughts. Regather her resolve. Alone.

  “I’ll call you back,” Ash told Del, switching the phone off as she crossed to where Elissa stood. Plucking a set of keys from the rack of hooks, she handed them to Elissa, her gaze unwavering. “We’re talking later, right? When you’re ready?”

  “Sure.” Elissa took the keys, smiled. “Yes.”

  Ahs hugged her suddenly, a little fiercely. “You know I’m here for you.”

  Cripes, she was going to start crying in a minute, that was so not going to happen.

  Elissa gave her a hug back, managing to keep that smile on her face the whole time. “Same back at you.”

  Releasing her, Ash took a deep breath as she stepped back. “You know, we can do without the bread.”

  “I’ll enjoy the drive. Nice country air, fresh rain. What’s not to like?” Turning, Elissa strode towards the door.

  “Be careful on the road.”

  “Yes, Mum.”

  Ash laughed, but the joke between them was a little flat.

  Stepping out onto the front veranda, Elissa bent her head and made the dash across the yard to where Ash’s little car was parked, beeping the doors unlocked and jumping inside, slamming the door behind her. A quick study of the controls before she put the key in the ignition and started the engine, and within seconds she was backing out of the drive and onto the road.

  The rain pattered on the hood, the side window shield allowing her to roll the window down to let the fresh air in without the rain.

  Almost immediately she began to relax, breathing deeply, easing her death grip on the steering wheel.

  It was done, the phone call over. That Calum hadn’t listened to her before she’d left was nothing new, it wasn’t the first time, but it was damned well going to be the last time. He had no right to call her, demand this of her. He’d known. He’d known.

  Anger bubbled up inside her, borne of frustration and that lost feeling, the fact that she was being pressured, that no one was damned well listening to her.

  But it didn’t matter, he couldn’t touch her here. All she had to do was enjoy her holiday. Do that first. She’d been enjoying herself already, hadn’t she? Done something she’d never thought to do - help fix a roof. Climb a ladder onto a roof. It was something she’d done, right? Gotten a little dirty, had some laughs with a group of girls who brimmed with confidence.

  Jesus, she had confidence. She’d always had confidence. But now she questioned it as she’d been questioning so much for a long time.

  The service station appeared through the gloom and she turned into it, pulling the car up at the side out of the way of non-existent traffic that might appear and need to go under the main veranda to fill up at the bowsers.

  The rain had almost stopped, the merest whisper of a light hint. Getting out of the car, she hurried around the corner of the building and pushed through the
door, feeling the warmth of the room envelope her.

  For the first time she realised she’d come out in the chill early evening air without a cardigan, her arms showered with goose bumps, the short sleeved blouse no protection.

  Soaking up the warmth, she looked around. To her left stood a counter with hot food steaming behind glass on one side of the cash register, and another glass counter to the right containing some sandwiches and individually wrapped slices of cake. On her right stretched several long shelves holding an assortment of goods. Newspapers and a few magazines stood on a rack to the right of the door. A big ‘fridge holding cold drinks and some milk sat along the back wall.

  Looking around for the bread, she spotted a familiar figure near the back. Tall, broad-shouldered, he held a packet of something in his hand, a pair of glasses perched on his nose as he read the back of it. Red hair gleamed under the light, touches of auburn, deep rich red, a hint of copper.

  Simon.

  For several seconds she looked at him, her troubled thoughts tumbling around to beat hard in her temples.

  God, he’d been the one to find her during one of her crying sessions. One of those sessions when she’d had too much, had crumbled under a burden she didn’t want. He’d sat with her, so quiet, so calm, a solid presence that waited patiently as though he’d had all the time in the world.

  Even now he had an air of tranquillity about him, his every movement unhurried as he placed the packet back on the shelf and picked up a tin, his eyebrows rising slowly as he read the ingredients. One long finger pushed the glasses up on his nose as he debated the tin, those firm, masculine lips thoughtfully pursing slightly to one side.

  Those lips might be firm, but they were also soft.

  The unexpected memory hit her hard, taking her breath away momentarily. Cripes, even his kiss had been unhurried, exploring, kissing her with an easy assurance that had her heart skip a beat then - and skip a beat now.

  “Evening,” a pleasant voice said from her left. “Can I help you?”

  The words broke through her spell, making her blink a little stupidly, a blush steeling through her cheeks as she turned to see a short, well-built man watching her with a friendly, curious gaze.

  “Hi,” she managed. Giving a mental shake, she moved to the counter. “Do you have any bread?”

  “Couple of loaves left on the shelf.” He pointed.

  Following his gaze, she saw a rack containing several loaves of bread at the front of the closest row of shelves. Grabbing a loaf, she set it on the counter.

  “You must be the new girl in town,” the man said. “Hear you’re staying with Ash and Scott.”

  “I’m Elissa.” She smiled at him. “Ash’s friend.”

  “G’day.” He stuck out his hand. “I’m Robby.”

  Surprised, but also a little delighted at this unexpected show of friendliness, she shook his hand. “Pleased to meet you.”

  “Heard you’re also her matron of honour or something at the wedding.”

  “That’s the plan.”

  “Nice girl.” Robby nodded. “And Scott’s a good bloke. They make a nice couple.”

  “They do.” She picked up the bread. “Ash is waiting for this. I better go.”

  “Nice to meet you.”

  “Same here.” She turned and walked to the door, unable to help but cast a quick peek over her shoulder.

  Simon was nowhere in sight.

  Feeling strangely disappointed, she walked out into the gloom.

  Dropping into the driver’s seat, she placed the loaf of bread on the passenger seat and slipped the key into the ignition.

  Her mobile sounded dimly from her pocket and recognising the tune, she leaned to the side and dug it out, winding the window down to let the fresh, rain-scented air fill the car as she flipped it open. “Hey, Moz! How’s it hanging?”

  Expecting her brother’s gravely voice, she froze at the disapproving tone that came instead. “Elissa, what’s this I hear about you not coming straight back to sing at the Bardot Club?”

  “Mum?” Her grip tightened automatically on the mobile. “What are you doing on Moz’s phone?”

  “Knowing the mood you’re in, I figured you wouldn’t answer if you saw my number.” Her mother’s tone was frosty. “Your childishness in refusing to answer when you know I’m on here is getting tiresome, Elissa.”

  Elissa stared out the windscreen. What could she say? She was sorry? That’d be a big, fat lie.

  “I’ve had Calum on the phone,” her mother continued. “He’s ropable. What do you think you’re doing?”

  “You know I was coming here for Ash’s wedding.”

  “So? This is the Bardot Club, not one of those grubby little pubs you sneak off to. This is the Bardot Club.”

  “I told Calum awhile ago that I was going on holiday. I told you I was finished with the singing and the-”

  “The Bardot Club, Elissa. This is where talent scouts go to spot new talent. God knows you have a talent you seem determined to hide. Come home immediately, stop being a child about it. You have responsibilities.”

  A muscle ticked in her tight jaw. “No. I’m here for Ash’s-”

  “For God’s sake, Ash has her own life. She doesn’t need you hanging on her coat tails. She’ll understand you wanting to come back here to sing, to be finally discovered for the big time.”

  “I don’t care about the big time, I’m not coming back. You know part of the reason why.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous.”

  “You got everything you wanted, Mum. I owe you nothing. Leave me alone.” Closing her eyes, Elissa felt her heart start to thud a little heavier. Regardless of what her parents had done, they were still her parents. If only she was harder, tougher, able to walk away without feeling some hurt. And some guilt, however misplaced. “This is my life we’re talking about, my life now. I’m taking this time to decide what I-”

  “You? It’s always about you, isn’t it?” her mother snapped. “After all we’ve sacrificed for you, everything we’ve done. You have talent and I’m not about to let you throw it away. Nor is Calum. He’s worked hard to get you this booking. We’re all counting on you now to do your part.”

  It was always the same. Always the Goddamn same. The blood pounded in her temples, her hand starting to shake. Everyone always wanting a Goddamn piece of her. They’d taken their Goddamn pieces, too, and she was done with it. She’d come here to escape it, to find herself, to-

  “You owe us, Elissa.” Her mother’s hard words cut into her churning thoughts. “How many times do you have to be reminded of that? The money we’ve poured into your career, the places we’ve shifted to, the voice coaches we’ve sacrificed our own comforts for to get your raw talent trained. Dragging Moz from pillar to post to get you-”

  “You got your money from me, Mum, don’t forget that. And it wasn’t exactly all above board, was it? Do I need to remind you of that? Have you forgotten what I found out?”

  “I only did what was best for you. I gave my life up for you and this is how you repay me? Repay us? Your own parents?”

  Her knuckles whitened on the phone. Stop. Please stop.

  “Calum is furious and I’m not far behind him.”

  Just bloody stop.

  “Your father is going to be so disappointed in you. The family knows you’re singing there, some of them are coming to listen.”

  I don’t want this, I don’t want this. Hands shaking, she bit her lip hard, drew in a shuddering breath.

  Peace cracking, composure shattering.

  “Get your head on straight, Elissa, and get back here. I’ll phone Calum, tell him you’re coming, smooth things over between you.” Her voice hardened, a hint of mockery in it. “As usual. God knows you cause a lot of problems, Elissa. The older you get, the worse you get.”

  “Shut up,” Elissa mumbled.

  “I beg your pardon?”

  “Shut up. Just shut up!” Furious, tears burning in her throat, Elissa hurled
the phone out the window.

  It bounced on the ground, slid and plopped into a deep puddle.

  Good. Good bloody riddance.

  Great. Act like a kid. Look like a jerk. Couldn’t even act like an adult.

  Breasts rising and falling with every harsh breath she sucked in, Elissa gripped the steering wheel and glared out the front windscreen.

  Rain misted it, blurring her sight.

  Oh, wait. Maybe that wasn’t rain. Maybe that was… She sniffed. Yeah. Goddamn.

  A sob welled up from deep inside her, pushed up her throat, forced itself out. One sob.

  It was the only one to escape. She clenched her teeth, forced the burn back. I’m not going to cry. I’m not going to cry. Heart thumping hard, hands shaking, even her teeth felt like they were going to start chattering.

  “Elissa?”

  The deep voice had her jerking her head around, her gaze meeting a pair of calm, non-threatening hazel eyes peering in at her through the open driver’s side window. Thick, rich, red hair flopped over a strong brow.

  Simon was bent over, looking in at her. In his hand he held her mobile, dripping wet and definitely unwelcome.

  Great. Total humiliation. Why the hell not?

  “I think you lost this.” His expression was pleasant. Not curious, not demanding, not shocked.

  “I didn’t lose it.” Her voice sounded thick even to her own ears.

  “So it didn’t slip out of your hand, huh?”

  “Did it look like it slipped?” Shit, was a touch of hysteria going to grab her? Now?

  “I think it flew.” Simon regarded the dripping, muddy mobile. “I saw it arc through the air.”

  What could she say to that? Elissa looked mutely out at him.

  Slowly, he turned his head to study her. Really study her. His gaze leisurely skimmed over her face, looking deeply into her eyes, sliding down to her mouth - no doubt noticing her biting her bottom lip hard - before sliding back up to meet her gaze once more. His voice was deep, gentle. “Everything all right?”

  No. No, everything wasn’t all right. Everything was shitty, so damned shitty and nasty and - “Sure.” Shame it came out thickly. She swallowed past the burning lump in her throat.