Page 50 of Wild Hearts

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Wren

THE DRIVE TO BYRONBay is a quiet one. Ivy’s still upset that Brady won’t even attempt to understand why she wants to be a part of their brother’s Baptism. I’m still stewing over the text he sent me last night and wondering why I feel so guilty. Ivy is my friend – my support for her is a given. But Brady is, or was, but still might be... something more?

I try to stay focused on the road, but my mind keeps drifting to the way my body reacted to Brady. I wanted nothing more than to give in, to just let him wrap me up in his arms and tell me everything will all be okay. But the truth is, I don’t know if I’ll ever be okay again. I don’t know if I’ll ever feel safe. I don’t know if I’m ever going to get over what happened.

When I finally pull up at the cafe, Ivy stares out the window, making no move to get out of the car.

“You okay?” I ask, reaching across and squeezing her arm.

She nods but still doesn’t move. “Am I doing the right thing?”

“What do you mean?”

“Brady’s so angry, and Mum’s been supportive, but I feel like deep down she’s really hurting.” She sniffs. “I feel like I’m causing them both more pain by trying to have a relationship with my dad.”

My heart hurts for my friend. “Ivy, no. They know how hard this is for you, you don’t need to feel bad. He’s your dad, too. And Theo’s your brother. Of course, you want to be in their lives.”

She sighs. “I get why Brady’s so worked up about it all, but he’s been on edge for a while. I think it’s got something to do with a girl.” I stare at her.What the hell am I supposed to say to that?“He used to talk to me, you know. He used to tell me everything.”

My stomach churns. I’m the reason he isn’t telling her anything. It’s because I asked him not to. “Ivy–”

“Everything’s changing and I don’t like it. It’s all too much.” She smiles sadly at me. “At least I know nothing’s going to change with you. Thank you for being such a good friend. And thank you for coming with me today. It means more to me that you know.”

I force myself to smile back, but rocks have formed in the pit of my stomach. What kind of friend lies about her feelings for her friend’s brother? I’m the worst kind of friend there is. But is there even any point in telling her now? It’s not like Brady and I can even be together. Why pile even more onto everything she’s going through? What I do have to do though, is tell Brady that under no circumstances will anything happen between us. I can’t be with anyone right now, and he needs to accept that.

Ivy takes a deep breath and opens the car door. I follow her out onto the footpath and give her a big hug. “You’ve got this. Your mum loves you no matter what. You need to do what’s right for you. Brady will come around. He’s just got a lot going on right now.”

“Thanks, Wren.”

Jeremy Willis is the same as I remember him: an older version of his son. He has the same green eyes and wavy dark hair, although his now has a touch of grey. When he smiles at Ivy and me as we sit down, my heart leaps into my throat.

I remember how I used to feel when he would smile at his wife. I always hoped his son would one day smile at me like that. My gaze drifts to Tarshia, who I’ve only ever seen on TV. Her dark, curly hair compliments her tanned skin. She holds Theo in one arm, while the other hand rests protectively over her stomach.

“Hi, I’m Wren,” I say with a small wave. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Lovely to meet you, too, Wren.” Tarshia smiles warmly.

Jeremy’s eyes have been fixed on the door since we sat down, but he turns his attention back to the table now, his smile dimming. “Brady didn’t come with you?” he asks Ivy.

She gives a small shake of her head and disappointment floods his eyes.

“That’s okay,” Tarshia says in an attempt to bring the mood back up. “I’m sure he’s finding it hard to get around with his injury. He’d be about the same size as you anyway, hun.” She smiles warmly at Jeremy. “We can send his suit back with the girls, and if it needs any adjustments, I’m sure it can be sorted out.”

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