Page 70 of Unfinished Summer

I lost my career and my best friend in one wave.

I always thought I was okay with the risk and danger we faced. But now I see how reckless we were.

Never again.

CHAPTER25

ZENNOR

Now

“Morning,” I greet Mum as she comes into the kitchen.

“Morning. Nice chat with your sister?” She takes a seat at the table as I flick the switch on the kettle.

“Actually, yes. I can’t believe how big Natalie is.”

“She’s just like Tegan. She’ll be a handful when she’s older. Headstrong and independent already.”

“There’s nothing wrong with that, Mum,” I defend. Nat will be better for it when she’s older.

“I agree. But it doesn’t mean it’s easy raising a daughter when she’s ready to take on the world and win at such a young age.” She fixes her gaze on me as if I’m a teenager all over again and I’m in trouble for something.

“What? Don’t look at me like that.” I go back to making her tea and fix a coffee for me.

“You wouldn’t be told a thing when you were a teen, Zennor. And that only got worse as you grew. You’ve always known your own mind.”

I consider her words and think back to how I behaved. When I made the decision to leave and escape, it was the only option I considered and became one hundred percent fixated on. It was like a lifeline I needed, and when I got to university, I substituted my next goal with the old.

That’s how I’ve attacked life. And until recently, it’s been the only way for me to live my life.

I take a seat at the table with her, coffee in hand.

Deep breath.

“I want to build my next business, Mum. I want it to be a success. No, Ineedit to be a success. But I’m scared that being back here will make me feel trapped. I don’t want to resent you or the fact I’m back where I never thought I’d be. And I don’t know if I’m ready for that.” My eyes flutter to keep the tears at bay and risk glancing at Mum.

“You should know that I’d never force you to do anything that made you unhappy, dear.” She takes my hand. “But I won’t have you start down this path unless you’re sure. There’s a lot at stake.”

“I get that, Mum. It’s my money I’ll be investing. My hard work.”

“Yes.” She clenches my hand as if pleading with me to hear her. “But it’s more than that. You’ll never find success here unless you lay your ghosts to rest. It’s obvious that it hurts you to be back. And that will never make for a solid business, no matter how good you are at running it. And, while we’re being truthful, you’ve got no experience in this.”

“Giving me business advice now, Mum?” I try to lighten the mood, but all she does is smile softly back.

“That boy broke a part of you. Not right away, but in those months after he left, you lost yourself. And I don’t think you’ve ever found that part of you again.”

Her words pierce my heart, and hot tears fill my eyes. She’s right. She knew, even if I kept the details hidden.

“Mum, I’m not sure how to fix things. I don’t even know what’s broken to fix it?” I look at her, more lost today than I felt twenty years ago.

“Darling, girl.” She stands and pulls me to her in a hug that only sets the tears flowing faster.

“I think you need to speak to that boy and make peace. Maybe then, your path will become clearer. But until you do, your choices will always be tainted and mar any future happiness. And I want you to be happy. Truly happy. You deserve that, and I don’t think you’ve ever known it.” She strokes my hair, running her fingers through the thick, tangled locks. “I’m here if you want to talk about it. But knowing you, you won’t.”

I don’t answer her, but I do remember a time I was so happy, I thought I’d float away. It was here, with Jayce, that summer.

Before things got hard.

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