Coming Home to Winter Island by Jo Thomas

Author:Jo Thomas [Thomas, Jo]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Headline
Published: 2019-10-30T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty

The next morning, I think back to the phone call I had with Joe last night before I went to sleep, and cringe. I was trying to tell him about Hector and the gin and the waterfall, but I have no idea what words actually came out. And something about not letting it all pass us by and that we should get engaged straight away, whether my voice came back or not. I can’t remember his reply. But I don’t remember him cheering for joy. In fact, I seem to remember the call finishing rather abruptly. If only I could remember what I actually said, and what he said, and where he was for that matter. I remember there was loud music.

I ring him again.

‘It’s very early, Rubes! Especially after your late call last night!’ he says grumpily. ‘You’re supposed to be on voice rest, for goodness’ sake, not going out and getting hammered.’

‘I know, I know,’ I croak, and my head bangs.

‘I mean, I’ve been working hard here to make the best of this situation. I’ve managed to get a couple of women’s magazines and a Sunday supplement interested in your story: “My road to recovery”, covering your time at the vocal retreat. If it works, it’ll definitely help get a label interested again. I’m going to try and get you on some medical phone-ins. And it would be good to book a big gig. A comeback event to really give the story some weight.’

Joe’s enthusiasm is great, but right now all I can think of is tea. A big mug of tea.

‘Won’t be long before you’re back. Once we get that contract signed, we can start living life like we planned it. We’ll be in that plush apartment. I can be the house husband and bring up the kids while you do what you’re good at. Just like we talked about.’ There’s no mention of my suggestion that we get engaged and find somewhere to live straight away, with or without the contract, and I decide it’s best not to bring it up again. ‘Just need you to get to that retreat,’ he says firmly. ‘I mean, like I say, I can’t do it all, and I’m doing this for us, Rubes. I want to give up working at the office, be your backup team. Maybe take on a few select clients, but nothing that will interfere with what you do. But we need to strike while there’s still interest in the band.

‘Surely you’ve done what you need to do there by now? You don’t even know this man,’ and just for a moment I wonder if he’s talking about Lachlan or Hector. ‘He’s not part of your life. It’s not like he was there while you were growing up. You don’t owe him anything. Look, tie up any loose ends and tell whoever, the solicitor and the carer bloke, that you have to go.’ So I must have told him about Lachlan last night! My cheeks heat up and I have no idea why.

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