Page 51 of All That We Are Together

“I don’t think I can move.”

I laughed and sat next to her on my board. “Tomorrow we’ve got a lot to do.”

“I hope I’m not causing Justin any headaches. Because of the unanticipated catering gig.”

“He couldn’t be happier. First to be doing it, and second because I’ll owe him a huge favor.”

“So things haven’t changed with you guys.”

“Nah, I was kidding.” I narrowed my eyes. The last rays of sunlight were blinding me. “Everything’s different now, honestly. We’re friends.”

“Are you serious?”

“Yeah. I took him out the other day for a walk, and he wound up scarfing a marijuana brownie and dancing with a group of girls. Can you believe it?” I laughed.

Leah sat up, curious.

“What changed in your relationship?”

“Nothing. Everything. I guess sometimes the person you least expect to understand you surprises you, and they’re there for you when you need them. That’s what happened.”

She looked at the horizon, and we stayed there in silence, contemplating the rise and fall of the waves and the sea reflecting the dying light. That evening was different, the way it always was when Leah was there. Unique. Intense.

44

Leah

It’s funny how human beings can get used to new situations. I’d only been in Byron Bay a few days, and it was as if I’d been there those lost three years, as if I’d never left. Maybe because I knew every street all too well. Maybe because, despite everything, it was my home. And there’s no place as comfortable as home.

I didn’t go to the gallery that morning because I had to meet with the guy who was interviewing me for the local paper. I was so nervous at first that he offered to get me a glass of water before the next question, but then, I just tried to focus on responding to what he asked, without thinking, and everything flowed. It was much easier than I expected.

I ate lunch with Blair and walked to the Nguyens’ café that afternoon. That place had always been in my life. I’d spent so many long afternoons there with my parents, or with Georgia when they’d drop me off because they had something to do. Justin had renovated it when he took over the business, but I still recognized everything, right down to the last cup.

Everyone was there when I arrived: Emily, the twins, Georgia, and Daniel.

But there wasn’t a trace of Axel. It was weird to me all of a sudden that I’d gone the whole day without seeing him. And I thought about how we get used to everything. It used to be so hard for me not to miss him, and there I was again, feeling strange because I hadn’t heard from him in twenty-four hours.

“Come here.” Justin smiled and grabbed my hand to take me over to the table he’d set up. It was covered in tiny pastries. “Sit down. Today, you’re the boss.”

“Me?” I laughed. “You say this like I’ve got some refined palate!”

Little Max sat down next to me, and everyone else took their places at the table. I loved being there with them, surrounded by what was also my family, the people I’d missed so much. I’d seen them these past three years, but only once in a while, and nothing had been the same, not the way it was in Byron Bay.

“Try the orange and chocolate puff pastry.”

“You’re stressing her out, Justin!” Emily smiled.

“Son, this is…bodacious.” Daniel licked his lips.

Georgia rolled her eyes, chuckled, and shook her head before giving me a tender look. I felt a tickle in my nose, I was so happy, and I blinked through the beginnings of tears as I grabbed one of the pastries.

“You like?” Justin seemed nervous.

“Honestly, it’s incredible. Everything’s perfect.” I took another look at the plates covering the tables. “This is going to be the coolest exhibition in the world.”

My smile faltered when I looked at the café door and saw that it was still closed. I shook my head. Maybe Axel had things to do. Maybe it hadn’t even occurred to him to attend a reunion more family than professional, even if we were looking over the menu that would be served at the gallery.

“You know I’ve got my own board now?” Connor said proudly.

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