Page 8 of Unwritten Rules (The Sunburnt Hearts #1)

Chapter Three

TATUM

T he soil is colder on my bare knees than I thought it would be. I should’ve considered wearing long pants or bringing a mat to kneel on, but with the unexpected warmth in the air today, it hadn’t crossed my mind.

A light breeze rustles through the trees hanging overhead, flowing through the loose strands of hair falling around my face.

Exhaling a soft breath, I place the bundle of native flowers in front of the headstone.

The dirt has long since been covered over by grass, reminding me of how quickly two years can pass in what seemingly feels like the blink of an eye.

But my heart would have to disagree. It has felt every minute of her absence, and I don’t know if that’ll ever change.

“You know I’m not one for goodbyes, Mum,” I murmur, running my hands down my thighs. “So consider this a ‘I’ll see you soon’ instead.”

The headstone is starting to see some discolouration around her name and the message Dad picked out.

A loving mother to Tatum and a faithful wife to Phil.

A sister, daughter and granddaughter. Avery will be missed dearly .

I’ve spent countless minutes, hours and days in this exact spot, to the point where I can recite every word written into the stone without looking.

Besides the memories I have of her, this is what’s left. A headstone and a patch of grass.

“You always told me to follow my dreams and do whatever it takes to make them come true.” I swallow hard and close my eyes, willing my racing heart to slow down. “I just hope I’m not making the wrong decision by leaving Barrenridge.”

My eyes flutter open to find a white butterfly sitting atop Mum’s headstone, unmoving.

A sob threatens to burst from my throat, but I manage to swallow it down.

Whenever I would visit the cemetery, I would speak to Mum for what felt like hours, talking about my day and whatever else was on my mind.

I started asking for a sign that she was here with me, and each time, a white butterfly would appear.

I thought it was a fluke at first, but after the fifth time it appeared, I knew it was a sign. Mum was with me.

And she’s here right now.

Blinking back the tears in my eyes, I smile. “So I take it you think moving to Sydney to live with Dad is a good idea? That I’m not going to mess my life up by doing so?”

The butterfly stays put, staring at me.

Dragging my bottom lip between my teeth, I nod. “I miss you, Mum. You’ve heard me say it a million times now, but I don’t think that’ll ever change.”

It’s not going to be easy moving to Sydney, knowing she’s going to be here by herself. I know realistically that she’ll always be in my heart, but I’ve gotten used to visiting her grave at least once a week for the past two years, so it’s going to be an adjustment not sticking to that routine.

“I’ll be sure to tell Dad you said hello.” Pressing my lips to my fingers, I press them against the headstone and sigh. “I love you, Mum. Wish me luck.”

The butterfly flies overhead as I stand to my feet. Glancing one last time at the headstone, I shove my hands into the pockets of my shorts and turn to walk to where my Jeep is parked nearby.

As I’m about to slide into the front seat, the same white butterfly lands on the bonnet of my car, staring at me through the screen. I can’t stop the flood gates from opening, and the sob I had tried to swallow, bursts out.

When I pull into the driveway of the house I grew up in—the red brick faded to a dull brown and the bright yellow front door Mum insisted on having to help brighten up the place—my eyes are stinging and the hem of my black T-shirt is damp.

Noah’s red Ford ute is parked on the street, which means he’s already here with Nathan and Jade.

Exhaling a sharp breath, I cut the engine and trudge up the cement pathway, the edges chipping and the overhanging grass from the lawn reminding me I should’ve mowed before I left.

When I step inside, I’m greeted by the scent of dust bunnies and Noah’s woodsy cologne lingering in the air.

Cardboard boxes are piled up in the lounge room to my left, waiting for the movers to come by this afternoon to collect what I don’t need and put in storage with the rest of the furniture and items I decided not to take with me to Sydney.

Dad said that when he gets the chance to travel up here after the footy season ends, we can take a few days to go through everything.

We’ll need to donate or toss some things, and, of course, sort through Mum’s belongings that I haven’t had the heart to touch in two years.

Up until last week, her bedroom had been untouched. To say I was an absolute mess packing away her things is an understatement.

Sniffling, I follow the sound of my friends’ voices to where they stand in the kitchen.

Three take away coffee cups sit on the empty granite island, the white cups blending in with the white cabinets.

Mum renovated the house five years ago, stating she needed a change from the dull wooden cabinets that came with the house.

With my dad not around, I think she enjoyed giving herself these projects as it allowed her to keep her mind and body busy.

Noah and Nathan cut their conversation short, their attention fixed on me as I walk further into the kitchen. Jade is sitting on the floor, surrounded by plastic building blocks. Her soft giggles echo off the walls, slamming into my chest. I’m going to miss her so much.

“How’d you go?” Noah asks. He scoops up one of the cups and extends it toward me. “I got your usual.”

I accept the flat white and lean my elbows on the countertop, offering a small smile. “Thank you. And it went as well as what you’d expect. I didn’t think it would be so hard to say goodbye to her.”

“If your red-rimmed eyes are anything to go by, I’m sure it wasn’t easy,” Nathan says, his usual joking tone hidden.

While he is quick to crack a joke, always finding a way to lighten the mood, I’m glad he’s reading the room.

“But don’t worry, Noah and I will make sure to change the flowers out each week.

We know Ave loved roses and natives, so we’ll make sure she’s never without. ”

Tears sting my eyes again. “She’ll appreciate that, guys. Thank you.” Clearing my throat, I nod my head at Noah. “Thanks again for the coffee. I’m going to need it to get through the drive.”

Noah raises a brow at me. “Why’s that? Late night?”

Warmth floods my cheeks as I’m reminded of the night before.

Images of me on Sinnett’s lap, his hand in my hair and lips attached to mine seep into my mind, pouring heat into my veins.

I had struggled to get to sleep after he dropped me home, too hyped on adrenaline.

Now I’m paying the price for that with only five hours of sleep.

And I had to make sure I got my Jeep from the pub to go visit Mum’s grave, all before Noah and Nathan arrived.

It seems my time management skills need improving.

“No,” I murmur, rolling my lips. “I only stayed for one drink.”

They don’t need to know what that one drink led to .

Noah and Nathan share a knowing look, one that says they don’t believe me. To my surprise, Nathan grins, changing the subject.

“Well, I’m more interested in knowing about Noah’s new neighbour who has him grinning like a fool.” Nathan sips on his coffee, eyes flicking between me and Noah.

A surprised gasp leaves my throat. “A new neighbour? Spill!”

Noah rubs the back of his neck, attention fixed on the coffee cup resting in his hand. “It’s not a big deal. My elderly neighbour, June, has her granddaughter staying with her. I saw her Friday when she moved in, and then again this morning in town when I was grabbing our coffees.”

“What’s her name? Is she cute? How old is she?” The questions roll off my tongue with ease, a smile splitting across my face. A blush splashes Noah’s cheeks. I haven’t seen him react to a woman like this since the day he met Em. It’s something I never thought I would see after her accident.

“See,” Nathan says, pointing a knowing finger at our friend. “The cheeks say it all.”

“Guys, stop,” Noah murmurs. “I’ve only spoken to her once.”

“I do recall you saying her name is Mia,” Nathan supplies with a shrug. “And that she is, in fact, cute .”

“Nate,” Noah hisses. I can’t help but laugh. I’m going to miss these two so much.

“Nate, leave him alone.” I push off the counter and take a sip from the coffee, needing the caffeine to kick in pronto. “You know how tough it’s been for Noah since Jade was born, so if he is interested in this Mia girl, then let him move at a pace that’s comfortable for him.”

Noah shoots me a small smile, as if to say thank you for getting Nathan off his back.

Nathan huffs. “Okay, fine. I’ll drop it. For now .”

Clapping my hands together, I jab a thumb over my shoulder. “Now that it’s settled, let’s get my boxes packed away in my car.”

Before I can step away from the island, strong arms wrap around me. I’m engulfed in Nathan’s slightly spicy scent, and I can’t help but smile.

I chuckle against his chest. “What are you doing, Nate?”

“Keeping you here in Barrenridge,” he murmurs against the crown of my head. “Forever.”

I melt against his touch. “Nathan…”

“Get in on this hug, Noah,” my friend calls out. “I need reinforcement.”

Noah’s soft laughter echoes off the walls, and moments later, I feel his arms wrap around my back.

I smile and blink back the tears forming in the corner of my eyes.

I knew leaving my two best friends was going to be difficult, but now that I’m moments away from walking out the front door and watching them grow smaller in my rearview mirror, I’m wishing I could stay rooted to the floor, trapped in their embrace.

Maybe then it would mean I didn’t have to face the changes that lie ahead on the road to Sydney and my new career path.

Or having to rebuild the relationship with my father.

And I wouldn’t have to leave the two people I trust most in this world.

But I know if I don’t, I’ll be stuck in this town with no sense of direction, and that’s just not an option for me.

“I love you both,” I murmur, voice wavering at the edges.

“And we love you,” Noah says, tone light.

“No matter what you do or where you are, we’ll be here for you,” Nathan utters, tightening his grip around me. “Always.”

The truth in his words has the tears in the corner of my eyes sliding down my cheeks, and a smile turning up my mouth.

Even if Noah and Nathan are three hours away, nothing about our friendship will change.

We’ve supported each other through every new phase in our lives from the moment we were in preschool, no matter how difficult, and this is no different.

No matter what happens, these guys are my family.

“Always,” I whisper.