A Second Chance Summer by Katharine E Smith

Author:Katharine E Smith [Smith, Katharine E]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781913166151
Publisher: Heddon Publishing
Published: 2018-01-15T07:00:00+00:00

We discuss Julie’s options and can’t really come up with a good idea. Gabe has no idea about Luke, of course, although Luke knows about him.

“I wonder what he wants,” she says.

“I think that’s obvious. He wants to get back together with you.”

“I know,” she sighs. “It is obvious.”

“And how do you feel about that?”

“I don’t know. I don’t want to think about it. I’m happy here, I’m having fun with Luke, and I really feel like I’m good for him, without wanting to sound big-headed.”

“I’m sure,” I say. “He’s having an awful time and you’ve come along and given him the chance for some happiness. Maybe it’s not possible to take his mind off his mum, but you’re something else to think about. But how do you feel about him?”

“He’s so lovely!” she says. “And he makes me feel great. And he’s pretty hot, and a successful businessman.”

These aren’t necessarily the right answers, I think, at least from Luke’s point of view.

“And what did you feel like when you heard Gabe say those things – that he’s sorry? Could you imagine being back together with him?”

“Oh god, I don’t know,” Julie says. “I just want to enjoy this summer. I feel like coming down here is a holiday – even though I’m working – but a holiday from life, do you know what I mean?”

“Yes, I do. I do, exactly. But the problem is, life is still going on. And Gabe is still in your home, still going to work, so for him he’s still living life as normal – the only difference is you are not there. And Luke is here, dealing with his mum’s illness, and clearly falling for you. And I’m not judging, I promise. I just don’t think that it’s possible to have a holiday from life.”

Julie’s face seems to close in on itself, her long-lashed eyelids downcast, then she looks at me. “I know. You’re right. But I don’t know what to do.”

Then the doorbell goes, and we look at each other.

“That’ll be Luke,” I say.

“I’d better answer it.”

Julie rubs her forehead and gets up.

I hear her move through the house, and greet Luke brightly. “We’re sitting outside,” she says, “in David’s garden. It’s lush, come and see.”

“Hi Alice,” Luke’s large frame seems to fill the doorway, then the yard. I smile at him and he leans over to kiss me on the cheek. “How’s the ankle?”

“Oh, much, much better, thank you. How are you? How’s your mum?”

“She’s OK. Well, obviously she’s not OK. She’s dying.” He speaks matter-of-factly. “But she likes the hospice, and the people there are just amazing. They see it every day, of course, but they manage to make you feel special, cared for, and they try to make sure it feels as much like home as possible. There’s a lady who has her dogs come in to see her every day and I’ve heard they brought somebody’s horse in to say bye to them! It’s lovely, for a place where there’s so much sadness.

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