Page 11 of Wistful Whispers

“But we’re not you and Olivia.”

“Oh come on,” Rob laughs.

I don’t want to talk about it. Rob knows that I’ve had a sweet spot for Hannah ever since I met her. But I made my peace with the fact that we’re just friends long ago.

“Mate, you live with her, you act like the baby is yours. You’re one hundred percent committed to her, just without getting any of the benefits of a relationship,” Rob pushes. I drop my toolbox next to the two motorboats. On first glance they look alright.

“I’m only living with her until the baby comes.”

“Hundred quid says you won’t move out when the little one is here.” He holds out his hand.

“I don’t bet,” I mumble. But really, I am not so sure myself.

“Because you know I’m right,” he laughs.

“You’re not helping, you know. I’m confused enough as it is,” I sigh. I climb onboard first boat and check the cover.

“Confused about what?” Rob asks before hopping aboard the other boat.

“I don’t know. It’s just that since I had to take her to the hospital she’s been different. She keeps giving me these looks and she’s kind of… touchy feely.”

“Isn’t there some kind of time when some women get a bit randy during pregnancy?”

“Could be that. She’s entering her third trimester,” I reply. I was wondering the same. Maybe it’s just hormones. Frankly, that’s what I’ve been worried about and why I’m keeping my expectations low.

“Entering her third trimester… listen to you. How many pregnancy books have you read?” Rob laughs and jumps back on the pier. “This one is fine.” He points at the boat.

“This one too. And I don’t know, three or four books maybe.” It’s actually six and I have a notebook at home where I’ve written down the key things to remember.

“You can lend them to me once you’re done,” he throws in casually.

“What? Are you—”

“Yes, finally. She’s three months along.” The biggest grin appears on his face. Rob and Olivia had been trying for a while and it was weighing heavy on him. He’s a bit of a clown and hides behind his laughs, but deep down he was struggling with not being able to give Olivia what she wants so badly.

“Congratulations mate.” I pull him into a friendly hug. We stroll back towards the hostel with Rob talking nonstop about his news. Just when I think that means I’m off the hook he brings the conversation back to me.

“You need to tell her, Jake.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“I get it, if you really think she’s not interested in you. I know you don’t want to lose her friendship and I’m not a believer in Hollywood happily-ever-afters. I know that not everyone’s love is meant to be. But I think Hannah has always had a thing for you and if she’s finally realised that you need to show her that you feel the same way. One of you has to make the first step because otherwise you might miss your chance. And that’s all I’ll say on that.”

“Maybe you’re—” I stare at the guy disappearing around the corner of the little souvenir shop next to the youth hostel.

“What is it?” Rob turns and follows my gaze.

“Nothing… I just thought I saw someone I know.” Grant was released from prison four years ago and since then there’s been a few instances when I thought I’d seen him. It usually turned out to be just a guy that resembled the arsehole. I try to see if that’s the case this time, but the guy has disappeared.

“Why don’t you head in and order me a pint? I’ll just put the tools back into my car,” I suggest to Rob.

“Sure. See you inside,” he nods and heads off towards the entrance. I unlock my boot and store the tool bag in it. A thousand thoughts are swirling through my head and, as always, the pictures of the night when Sean died followed by the last time I looked into Grant’s face flash in front of my eyes. I was a key witness for the prosecution and had to face him in court. He didn’t need to say anything but the look in his eyes told me that he was blaming me for it all.

I head in the direction the man I had spotted disappeared to but when I round the corner I can’t see anyone that resembles Grant. It was probably just another lookalike. I walk once around the youth hostel, but when I don’t spot anyone in the guest car park either I head inside.

“There you are,” Hannah beams at me.

“Congratulations,” I give Olivia a tight hug. “I’m so happy for you.”

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