Page 89 of Branded Hearts

“Hey, Mum. This is amazing, Kat,” I say, feeling my heart swell with happiness. “How was the flight?”

“Pretty smooth, actually. We landed early, so we thought we’d surprise you.”

Seeing Kat feels like it’s been ages, but it’s only been a few months. The last time I saw her was last Christmas. It’s April now—four months. Four months too long. Sometimes, I just really need my big sister. Dad leans into the frame, waving.

“We figured you could use a little surprise after a long day,” he says with a grin.

“You have no idea how perfect this timing is. I’ve missed you all so much.”

“We’ve missed you, too,” Kat says warmly.

“Where’s Millie?” I ask, noticing her absence.

“She’s out cold, on the couch with John,” Kat replies with a soft chuckle.

“Poor thing,” I say, my heart melting a little.

“Well, are you coming over or what? We have so much to catch up on,” my sister retorts with a smirk. I laugh, pulling the paintbrush from behind my ear.

“What ya painting, kiddo?” Dad asks, peering over Kat’s shoulder. I playfully roll my eyes at him. He knows I hate being called kiddo, but I’ll always be his baby girl. “Something new,” I reply, keeping it vague.

“Well, show us,” he urges.

“Not yet,” I say, blushing. “They’re not ready.”

I know I won’t be showing anyone these works until I submit them to the gallery. And definitely not Dad. No way he’s seeing the portrait I’m painting of Bradley.

“Okay, dokey,” Dad says, raising his hands in mock surrender. “We’ll wait.”

“See you soon!” I say, ending the call with a smile.

“I’m sorry, excuse me!” Kat says, swallowing down her sip of wine. “You’re telling me you’vekissedBradley, and I’m only just hearing about this now?” She shakes her head. “Poor form, sis. Not good.”

I laugh and smack her on the arm. “Oh, shush. It’s been such a busy month, between work, going away, and recently getting hit with friggin’ food poisoning. I haven’t had much time to do anything, really. Not even paint. I haven’t been coming past home much, either.”

My expression sours. I miss hanging out with my parents. Living away from them ishard. You easily forget to do all the things that used to be routine, normal. It’s so easy to get caught up in everything, until suddenly you’re realising things too little, too late. The thought upsets me. My parents aren’t getting any younger.

“It’s okay. Mum and Dad understand,” Kat says, patting my knee. “They just want you happy, healthy, and safe. And preferably married by now with kids.”

I gasp, widening my eyes before laughing. “Yeah, right. By the time that happens, everyone will beold.”

“Don’t say that! I think it may be closer on the horizon than you think.”

“Pft. Okay, Kat.”

“So, when am I going to see Bradley, properly, in the flesh?”

I blush again. “Uh, I don’t know. It’s not like we’re dating or anything. I can’t just invite him over.”

“Why the fuck not?” I laugh at her cursing. If Mum heard her right now, she’d cop a smacking. Twelve or thirty-three—it doesn’t make a difference to our mother. Swearing has always been a no-go for us since we were young. I’ve grown up learning every variation under the sun of swear words that aren’t ‘technically’ swear words. But I’ll be honest, it’s exhausting trying to think of them.

“I don’t know. Things are weird. We’re tiptoeing around this newfound friendship, when neither of us has said anything.”

“So say something.Dosomething. You can’t stay a virgin forever. You’re missing out, sis. I promise you.”

“Thanks, that makes me feel better.”

“Sorry.” She laughs half-heartedly. “I didn’t mean to make you feel worse. I’m just saying. Stop wasting time. Bite the bullet and go for it.Hehas initiated the kisses. Maybe he’s waiting for you to do the same.” I didn’t think of it like that. She might be right. “Does heknow you’re a virgin?”

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