“Team England?” I repeated, laughing. “You’ve clearly never been to Australia!”
There was no way I would let the press decide anything for me. The house I grew up in was still a huge problem, however. I couldn’t drive past it without feeling sick. I wasn’t sure if that was something I would be able to get over or not. Every time I was at Cole’s parents’ house I could feel its proximity. It might as well have been a hundred foot tall and lit up in neon lights.
“Want some advice?”
I smiled. “Do I have a choice?”
“Why no you do not!” He winked. “Look, Oakley, they took too many years of happiness from you. Don’t let them have another second longer.”
“Hmm. Alright, I’ll give you that one. That’s actually good advice. I expected you to say something crude.”
“I can if it’ll make you feel more comfortable?”
“No thanks. Anyway, I should really get going.”
“Already?”
“Yes, but I’ll come back soon.”
Marcus stood up as I did. “Okay, just remember, Team England.”
Nodding, I grabbed my cup. “I will. It was really good to see you, Marcus. Thanks.”
“See you soon,” he called. Laughing to myself, I waved over my shoulder and threw the plastic cup in the recycling bin. I felt happier for seeing him, and everything else seemed a little clearer now.
I got in the car and dialled Ali’s mobile. Marcus had good advice. Advice I wasn’t going to ignore, because he was right. Max and Frank were not stopping me from being happy for another second.
Hanging up the phone from speaking to Ali, it rang immediately. I smiled as Cole’s name flashed up on the screen. “Hi,” I said.
“Hey. How’d it go with Marcus? You on your way home?”
“Good, and yes. How’s work? You’re not busy, right?”
“Hmm, are you insinuating that I’m not busy because you think I do nothing all day, or are you asking?”
Giggling, I replied, “Asking!”
“Well, no, not really.”
“Of course you’re not,” I teased. “Sorry. I know you’re very important.”
“Was there anything in particular you wanted?” Cole asked. His voice laced with sarcasm and a hint of amusement.
“You called me.” I pointed out. “And nope.” My heart danced in happiness. I loved our playful conversations. “Want me to go?”
“Nope,” he replied. “I want you in my bed.”
“Cole, you’d better be alone in your office!”
“No, I’m in a conference,” he muttered dryly. “Of course I’m alone. No one really comes in my office.”
“I’m playing a sad song on a tiny violin.”
Cole chuckled. “I’m gonna hang up.”
“No, you won’t. Are you coming to Ali’s after work?”
“Do you want me to come to Ali’s after work?”
I shook my head, laughing softly. “You know I do.”
“Then you know I’ll be there at quarter past five.”
I pulled into Ali’s driveway, right by the front door because there were a few people hanging around outside. They didn’t come through the front gate anymore. Not since Jasper threatened to call the police and report them for trespassing.
“I’ve just got back to Ali’s. I’ll see you tonight, okay.”
“Okay. Love you.”
“I love you too.” I hung up the phone and took it out of the cradle. My house key was in my pocket. I grabbed it, so I could get in as quickly as possible.
“Oakley, a few words?” A deep voice shouted. Ignoring the questions being shouted at me, I shoved the key in the lock, keeping my head down. “Oakley, how do you feel about—”
I slammed the door shut, cutting out the noise. Australia became more appealing whenever I had to run into a house to escape the cameras and questions. I flopped down on the sofa.
“Hi, honey,” Mum said, carrying two mugs in her hands. She sat down on the sofa, and from the look on her face she was trying to figure out how to tell me something.
“You okay, Mum?”
“Yeah, fine. I booked the tickets. We leave in two days.”
“Okay. Good.” I sat up and wrapped my hands around the mug. “How’s Miles?” He had to go back to Australia for work, and I knew Mum was missing him. It wouldn’t be long before they were together again though.
“I spoke to him last night. He’s fine.”
“You’ll see him soon.” She smiled and nodded. “I’m glad you’re happy, Mum.”
A ghost of a smile touched her lips “So am I.”
“But?” I prompted.
She sighed. “I don’t know really. Miles is an incredible man and a good person. I just find myself doubting things. Doubting him. I guess I’m afraid.”
“Mum, that’s understandable, but Miles is nothing like Max. After… everything, I found it hard to trust men too. I wasn’t sure what they wanted from me or were going to do.”