Page 30 of Her Kensington
8
Summer
As I sit staringat the fancy flocked wallpaper I can’t rid myself of the urge to talk to someone. My first reaction is to call Ireland but I already know she’s off with Easton, and the last thing she needs is to sit and listen to my misery. But if I’m honest with myself, it’s not her voice I want to hear. Swallowing down my apprehension, I grab my cell and dial a number that’s been ingrained in my brain since I was a kid.
My heart pounds as I wait for the call to connect. I convince myself that no one will answer.
“Hello?” Her soft and gentle voice has tears stinging my eyes immediately.
“Mom,” I whisper.
“Summer? Thank goodness you’re okay. Where on earth are you? We haven’t been able to get hold of either you or Ireland. We were beginning to get worried.”
“Why? Is something wrong?”
“Ireland’s nana was taken into hospital. She’s going to be fine, but her mum wanted to let her know.”
“I’m glad she’s okay.”
“Where are you, young lady?” Her tone brings everything to the surface.
“I’ve…I’ve been so stupid, Mom. I’m so sorry,” I wail.
“Shhh, …it’s okay, baby. Calm down and you can tell me all about it. I’m sure it’s nothing that can’t be fixed.” Her encouraging words don’t quite hit the spot because at this point I’ve no idea if thiscanbe fixed.
“I’m…I’m in London.”
“As in, Ohio?” she asks sceptically.
“No. London, England.”
“Why?”
Sketchy memories of our wedding assault me and I sob to the soothing sounds of my mom on the other end of the phone.
“I got…”
“You got,” she prompts.
“Married.”
“WHAT?”
I can’t help the laugh that falls from my lips because this whole thing must sound utterly ridiculous.
“I met a British guy at work in Vegas and we got…married. I moved here with him but…”
“But?”
“I’ve just found out he’s been lying to me.”
“Where are you now?”
“In a hotel,” I sob.
“Oh, baby. Why didn’t you tell us you’d met someone?”
“It was all just so fast, and I didn’t—” I trail off, not wanting to say what I’m thinking, “think you’d care,” I whisper, in the hope she won’t hear.
