Page 67

Her heads lifts as I enter, relief flickering across her face. She walks over and pulls me in for a hug just as I start wittering away with my apologies.

“I’m sorry.”

Hazel gives me a squeeze. “Me too.”

“What are you apologising for?”

“I yelled at you.”

I chuckle into her shoulder. “I deserved it.”

“Are you alright?”

I shrug. “Who knows? I’ve got to go back to therapy.”

Hazel barks out a laugh. “Me too.” She steps back and raises an eyebrow. “You owe me a new vase.”

I snort. “I’ll replace it first thing tomorrow.”

“You’d better.” Hazel laughs. “It cost four dollars from the cheap shop. Have you spoken to Anthony?”

The mere mention of his name makes me sick. “He won’t want anything to do with me. I was an absolute psycho.”

“I’m sure it wasn’t that bad.”

“Remember when I got drunk at Blues on Broadbeach and had an argument with a table of people eating lamb?”

Hazel’s eyes widen and she tilts her head. “Oh, dear.”

“Yah.” I close my eyes and exhale a huge sigh. “I don’t have time to make a fool of myself again anyway. The studio opens in a month. I’ve got to finish setting up the equipment, hire staff and get the signage on the wall.”

“Yes, and you can busy yourself with tasks all you like,” Hazel agrees. “But eventually, you’ll realise you need to fix things with Anthony. I think addressing that sooner rather than later would be best.”

“There’s no way he’ll respond to messages or calls right now. I royally messed up.”

“Then make him listen to you.” Hazel’s eyes blaze with determination. “Don’t let months go between the two of you, wondering what you could’ve done to fix things earlier. Don’t waste time, Kali.”

I know she’s referring to the months that passed between her and Patrick before they reunited earlier this year. Although the time helped Hazel focus on herself, it chewed her up every day, not knowing what happened and not fighting harder for answers.

“Tomorrow,” I promise her. “First thing tomorrow I will fix this.”

I just have to hope it’s not too late.

37

KALI

Bright and early thenext morning, I knock on the door three times before I can talk myself out of it. When the door swings open, I frown at the sight of an expensive business shirt.

“You could at least pretend you’re excited to see me.” Patrick smirks as he widens the door. “Come in.”

I step inside and head to the open kitchen, taking a second to appreciate the breath-taking view of the ocean before turning to him. “Is Anthony here?”

“No, sorry. He left before the sun was up this morning.”

Disappointment floods my veins. “Do you know where he is?”

“I’m not checking in on him as often as I used to. He deserves my trust.” Patrick folds his arms as he leans against the kitchen counter, observing me. “He deserves yours too, Kali.”