Page 109 of My Destiny

“You haven’t heard about what happened last night?”

“No, what?” she asks with concern in her voice. “Is Brooke all right? You guys didn’t split up, did you?”

“No, of course not.”

“Oh, thank god.”

“Kathleen came to my apartment last night and slapped Brooke across the face.”

“Oh my god. Why would she do that?”

“You really need to ask me that? You know what she’s like.”

“But Brooke’s so sweet.”

“That’s why I’m ringing you. She’s at work most of the day, but do you think you could call over this afternoon. I’m sure she’d love to see you, and I’ve got a big day at work. I don’t want her to be alone.”

“Of course. I need to get Lara from school, but we can head over after that.”

“Perfect,” I say. “Oh, and please don’t bombard her with questions. If she wants to open up to you, she will.”

“You really need to ask me that? I’m not Mum.”

“Right,” I say, and we both laugh. “I should be home around six. We’re going to Mum and Dad’s for dinner. God, I hope Dad is in one of his rare good moods.”

“For your sake, I hope so too. The last thing poor Brooke needs is the alternative, especially after what she endured from Kathleen.”

I’m already in two minds about going, but I know my mother will be devastated if we bail.

The first thing I hear when I step out of the lift is music. I come to a stop at the entrance to the main room. Michelle spots me straight away, but Brooke and Lara are so engrossed in what they’re doing, they don’t even realise I’m here.

I grin as I watch them together. It’s great to see my two favourite girls getting along.

My sister stands and makes her way towards me. “Hey,” she says, kissing my cheek.

“Hey. How’s she been?”

“Good, considering. I didn’t know she played the piano. She’s amazing.”

“Isn’t she?” I say, my smile growing.

“She’s so good with Lara too. I don’t want to impose, but do you think she’d consider giving her some lessons? Lara doesn’t like the teacher she has now. She thinks she’s mean.”

“You can ask.”

“You wouldn’t mind?”

“Of course not,” I reply. I’d love for Brooke to become more involved with my family. I hate that she has none of her own, and I’m more than happy to share mine with her.

“Okay, I’ll ask her when I get the chance. I was thinking of inviting her out for lunch one day this week.”

“She’d like that.”I’d like that.

“Can you text me her number later?”

“Sure.”

“Well, I should think about going. I know you’ve got dinner at Mum’s, and Craig will be home soon,” she says, looking down at her watch. “I need to stop off and grab something to cook for dinner.”