by Wendy Smith
“And the rest of the time, you’re a recluse. Maybe it’s time to get back on the horse.”
I snort. “I rode enough horses after my marriage break-up.”
“What if I had a big incentive for you to make the effort?” There’s a teasing tone in his voice.
The woman next door drops the scoop on the ground and dives into the pool. I’m not sure there’s anything that could incentivise me to go to the school reunion with the view from here.
“Like what?”
“Meredith dropped off some baking for the fundraising table. She saw the name tags and there’s one for Chloe Cooper.”
I swivel my gaze away from the window, turning back toward my bed. “Really?”
“Yes. And more interestingly, not one for Scott. Just Chloe.”
I draw in a sharp breath. Chloe Cooper was my one who got away. But not really. She was Chloe Baxter back then, and utterly, hopelessly in love with Scott. He loved her, too, and I was just his best friend with a crush on the girl I couldn’t have.
For nearly three years I kept it to myself, but when Scott worked it out, he dropped me like a hot potato and banished me from his life. They left town to go to university shortly afterward and never kept in touch. I always wondered how much Chloe knew.
“Guess I’m coming to this reunion, then.”
Darren laughs. “I thought that might change your mind.”
“You know me too well.”
After I’ve disconnected the call, I sit on the side of my bed.
Chloe Cooper.
Even though I haven’t seen her in years, the thought of her brings a smile to my lips.
She might not have been mine, but she was often the sunshine that helped get me through some really rough times as a teen. There wasn’t a day when she didn’t have a smile on her face, and she listened to me complain as my parents’ marriage fell apart.
Chloe was my friend, but she came to mean more to me than that. And of all the people I went to school with, Chloe and Scott are the two I missed.
It’s time to build some bridges.
“He’s in your office,” my PA, Liz, says as I walk in the door. I work from home when I can but come in for important meetings like this.
One I can’t avoid.
Gary’s sitting on the couch in my office and rises when I walk in the door. I wave him to sit down. We’ve been here too many times before.
I drop my jacket on the back of my chair and take a seat by the couch.
“Hunter, I’m sorry.”
I swallow hard. Last night I had to juggle my workers to cover the shift that Gary missed because he went out drinking instead. To get the call at some crazy hour that he hadn’t turned up was concerning. To find he wasn’t far from the property he was supposed to be patrolling was infuriating.
“I told you last time that I wouldn’t tolerate this. I’ve tried to be supportive. What else should I be doing? Tell me.”
His sheepish expression doesn’t help. He knows what he did was wrong, but he’s been struggling with alcoholism for months and hasn’t sought help despite me having to haul him in for warnings all the way through.
His performance has been subpar for a long time, and I’m at the end of my rope. I only employ the best, and he’s good at his job when he’s not drinking.
Right now, he’s so far from that it’s tearing me apart.
“You need to get help. We’ve had this conversation before. I’ll pay your full wages while you go through rehab, but we can’t go on the way we are.”
He nods. “I know.”
“I can’t force you to do it, but I can’t continue like this. We’re way past second chances and giving you a fair go. I’ve done that. I’ve bent over backward to try to get you the help you need.” I take a deep breath. “Legally, the next step is to fire you, and I don’t want that, but you’re leaving me with no choice. Is that what you want?”
He shakes his head. “I’m trying.”
“Call the number I gave you and get the help you need. It’s the only option you have left.”
I can’t fold. If I keep sending him on jobs he doesn’t turn up to, it’s my business that suffers. He’s leaving me very little choice other than to fire him, and while I have a reputation for being tough, I’m not completely heartless.
“This is literally destroying your life.”
He hangs his head. “I know it is.”
“The only person who can turn this around is you. Get some help.”
I sigh in frustration as he leaves. He’s not a bad person, just someone struggling with addiction. But there’s a line I have to draw.
He gives me a nod. “Thanks, Hunter.”
As he makes his way out of the office, I follow, stopping in the doorway.
“Do you think he’ll do it?” Liz asks.
I shrug. “Who knows? I hope so. He’s a smart kid, but this alcohol thing is dragging him down.”
“Hunter, you’ve done everything you can to avoid firing him, but if he doesn’t sort this out …”
Nodding, I head toward the door. I need some fresh air after that.
“Are you going home?” she asks.
“Yes. I’ll be on mobile if you want me.”
“Have a good day.”
The sun is so warm on my face, and for a fleeting moment, my mind wanders to the woman in the pool next door. How good would that be right now? To swim in the cool water, relax in the sunshine and forget about my worries.
Truth be known, I’m a little envious
I’ll have to settle for a walk in the park to cool down instead.
Four
Chloe
“I’ve got it.”
Xander squeezes past me as the broadband technician packs up his things. He’s carrying the router and a bunch of cables, and for the millionth time I’m thankful he and his brother are good at the technical stuff.
They both hate that we had to wait until today to get fibre installed, but now it’s in, we’ll all be able to get on with our online lives.
At least it gives them something to do tonight while I head out to this reunion.
I’ve spent the past few days tossing up whether or not to go. But now I’m not feeling tired, and it would do me good to be around people again. Besides, I can always use the boys as an excuse to leave early if I have to.
“Mum, where’s your laptop?” Xander asks.
“It’s on the table. Why?”
“We just want to make sure it’s all working before the tech leaves.”
I hold up my palms. “Do whatever you have to do.”
He runs to the table, and I smile. I know both him and his brother are anxious to get back online and chat with their friends. I can write without the net, but I use my social media to sell books, and it’s so much easier to use a computer than my phone.
“It all looks good. Speed test is fast. This is better than the internet we had in the old house.”
I nod. “I got a faster plan.”
He beams. I don’t even care if this means he’s more antisocial while home as long as he’s smiling. It’s a rare thing to see with Xander.
“Thanks, Mum.”
“I’m glad you’re happy, honey.”
I watch him show the broadband technician out, and then instead of heading straight upstairs, he returns and gives me an unexpected hug. I close my eyes, wrap my arms around his chest and enjoy it while it lasts.
“I know it’s been hard, Mum, but I think we made the right choice.”
“Me too,” I whisper. I’m not sure if he realises what this show of affection means to me.
We seem to stand there for the longest time, but I don’t mind at all. Xander’s heart is big but guarded, and I’m making the most of this.
“You have to get ready to go out.”
I grin. I wouldn’t call him clingy, but he hasn’t been at all receptive to me having much of a social life. He likes to know where I am, and I know he has his reasons.
I pull back and laugh at the pained expression on his face. I can’t imagine anything worse for a teenage boy when his mother wants to spend time with him.
“Don’t you need to have a shower or something?” He turns and walks toward the door.
“Are you saying I smell?” I call out. His fading laughter is music to my ears.
But he’s right. Time is marching on, and it’s not like those two will be any kind of company tonight. I’ll lose my boys to their bedrooms while they play computer games and hang out with their friends online.
Sure enough, by the time I reach the top of the stairs, both bedroom doors are closed.
At least they’re happy.
I close my eyes as the shower water hits my face.
It’s been a while since I put much effort into going out, but tonight should be fun.
Lathering up the body wash, I rinse myself off and shampoo my hair.
The longer I spend getting ready, the more I’m looking forward to mingling with people my own age.
And people who used to know me.
A lot has happened in my life since I last saw any of them, but I can’t forget that it’s been a lot of years and so much will have happened to them too.
I turn off the shower, and step out, grabbing a large towel to wrap around myself.
Wiping the fogged up bathroom mirror, I brush some wet tendrils off my face and then reach for the hairdryer in the cupboard below.
Cutting my hair was almost an act of defiance against grief. For years it hung to my waist, and even when I had the boys, I’d tie it up rather than cut it, even if they dug their little fingers in and twisted. But six months into widowhood, I wanted a change and had it cut into a bob.
I still miss the length sometimes, but days like this when I can dry it fast change my mind pretty quickly about growing it again.
My hands shake a little while I apply makeup. I was never that great at it, but I manage to get it on evenly and smile at the change in me.
It makes me look younger and yet more mature all at once. I can live with that.
This feels like a huge amount of effort for one night out. Part of me just wants to order pizza and spend the night on the couch in front of the television, but I need to step out of my comfort zone.
The next step is working out what to wear. I guess I should have done this earlier in the day, but I’ve never been that organised. My wardrobe is full after unpacking my clothes a couple of days ago.
I’ve been out on the odd night with friends before, but this is my first solo outing. Maybe I should have hassled Caleb to take me, then again if I take my own car, I’ve got a way to leave if I need to.
Settling on a simple black cocktail dress, I tug off my towel and slip on my underwear before pulling the dress over my head.
Standing in front of the full-length mirror, I smooth the dress down and take a look at myself.
Who am I?
I haven’t had my own identity in a long time. Scott’s girlfriend, Braden and Xander’s mother, Scott’s wife, Scott’s widow. They’re all me, but I can’t remember the last time I was just Chloe.
I’ll still be all those things, but it’s time to claim me back.
I don’t even really look like me right now. I’ve always been the jeans and T-shirt kind of girl, but that changed when I became the wife of an up-and-coming lawyer. This dress is from that time, and I look damn good in it even if I do say so myself.
My engagement ring glitters in the mirror, and I raise my hand to see it and the matching wedding ring still sitting on my finger.
For four years, I’ve kept wearing them, an indication to the world that I’m taken. If I were a braver woman, I’d take them off. But tonight, when this is an event we should have attended together, it gives me more confidence to leave them on.
It’s not time to take them off yet, but it is time to get going.
Voices coming from the kitchen tell me where the boys are, and I venture in before I go to say goodbye.
“You look amazing, Mum,” Braden says.
I smile and cup his cheek. “Thank you.”
“You don’t even look old.” He laughs.
I look at him in mock horror. I’m sure I’m ancient to him.
“Braden, don’t be mean to Mum. Maybe one day she’ll tell us what it was like to live with dinosaurs.”
Gaping at Xander, I fight the urge to smile as he grins at me.
“I’m kidding. Some of my friends think you’re a MILF, but that’s just gross. You’re my mum,” Braden says.
I clamp my lips together to try and stop myself from laughing, but tears prick my eyes because I’m trying so hard.
Giving him a hug, I let it go and laugh out loud. “I love you, Braden Cooper. But that acronym is never coming out of your mouth again.”
He shrugs. “That’s fine with me.”
Still chuckling, I pick up my purse and head toward the door. “Be good,” I call. “There’s some money on the fridge in case you want to order takeaways. I won’t be late. Love you.”
I’m sure one of them is on the phone to the pizza place before I even make it outside.
Smiling all the way to my car, I get in and take a deep breath. Here goes nothing. I could make my way here blindfolded, and I’m soon arriving at the gates of the school.
My stomach churns, but I ignore it.
I haven’t been back here for years, but nothing seems to have changed.
The buildings look freshly painted, but they’re still the old blocks of classrooms that existed when I was here.
It’s obvious where the reunion function’s being held because the hall is all lit up, and music carries through the air.
We never meant to turn our back on our home town. Our lives just took us in a different direction, and we went with it. When all you need is each other, nothing else really matters.
It should have. Then I wouldn’t have the mixed emotions I do now.
I pull into the car park and find an empty spot. For a moment, I clutch the steering wheel before turning the engine off.
Being here alone is weird.
But I have to push myself through the memories that dog me, and face up to the past before I can find my future.
I take a deep breath, grab my bag, open the door, and step out of the car.
It’s time.
Five
Hunter
I hate being social.
When my marriage to Piper broke up, I buried myself in other women. Nothing serious, but it wore thin after a while, and I haven’t been big on socialising ever since.
This reunion is my idea of Hell, and there’s only one reason I’m here.
So far, it seems like everyone’s arrived except for Chloe, but I verified for myself that her name badge was at the door.
“Well, look who’s here.”
I turn to see Darren walking toward me, a smug expression on his face.
“Hi.”
He extends his hand, and I shake it, not dropping my gaze. I know from his smug tone what he’s getting at.
“I knew there was a big drawcard tonight. Still didn’t know if it would bring you out. It’s good to see you, man.”
I nod. “Good to see you too.”
“I gather she hasn’t arrived yet?”
Huffing, I turn back to look at the entrance. “Not yet.”
“Hunter, I know I’ve given you shit, but I know what she meant to you. I hope she does come, even if it’s just to put a smile on that sour face.”
I give him a gentle shove. “Hey.”
“What you went through with Piper changed you. I just want my old friend back.”
I meet his gaze. “I know you care. I’m fine.”
He nods back past me. “There she is. I’m going to get another drink and leave you to it.”
As he disappears into the distance, I catch my breath at the sight of her in the doorway.
There’s no mistaking Chloe. Her blonde hair’s cut shorter, into a wavy bob instead of hanging down her back like it used to. But that sun-kissed nose and her full lips still look the same as they did seventeen years ago.
God how I wanted to kiss those lips back then.
She fastens her name badge to her dress and looks around.
I can’t take my eyes off her. She looks as good as she did when we were eighteen.
A smile lights up her face as our gazes meet, and she makes her way through the crowd until she’s right in front of me.
My heart thuds.
“Hunter. It’s been years. I’m so glad to see you.”
I don’t even get a word in before she wraps her arms around my waist and rests her head on my chest.
This is so unfair.
I wrap my arms around her and hug her tight. “Hey, Chlo. I’m glad to see you too. I was kinda surprised you were on the guest list.”
She lets go. “Really? Why?”
“I haven’t seen you since you left town. Didn’t know if you’d be back for this.”
She beams. “Well, I’m here. You look so good. When did you grow up?”
I chuckle. “Gee thanks.”
“I just mean … You were always taller than me, but I can’t remember you being this tall.”
I shrug. “I might have grown a few more inches. You look incredible. It’s like all the years in between then and now never happened.”
She draws in a deep breath as she lets me go. “Thank you. I know you’re lying, but thank you.”
“I wouldn’t lie to you.”
“One of my kids basically called me a dinosaur before I left the house. At least I know you’re the same age as me.” The cheeky grin she shares with me makes my whole body react.
“Oh my God. It’s Chloe Baxter.”
I suppress the urge to roll my eyes at the squeal that comes from behind us. Meredith appears and grabs Chloe’s arms. Chloe shoots me a what the fuck look but smiles.
“Meredith.”
“It’s been forever.”
Chloe nods. “It sure has. How are you?”