Reminiscent Hearts by Rachel De Lune

Author:Rachel De Lune [De Lune, Rachel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-02-13T16:00:00+00:00

I can’t remember what Charlotte looks like. I have her profile picture to go on, but that’s about it. We agree to meet in a coffee shop at the top of Park Street in Bristol. It's crowded with students and people out for their fix of caffeine.

I’d stayed in a hotel last night, not ready for a cosy evening with Mum and Dad. I check my watch and try to rein back my annoyance. Charlotte is late. I drink my coffee and remember why I’m here and why I’m doing this. I want to help Lily. I need to understand her.

“Jake?”

I turn to see a tall, slender woman with beautifully silky blond hair looking at me.

“Yes. Charlotte?” I stand to greet her, and she takes her seat.

“God, you’ve not changed at all. Well, not really. How are you?”

“I’m fine thanks. I appreciate you agreeing to meet me.”

“No trouble. I’m surprised you remember me actually. You mentioned you wanted help with something?”

“Yes. Can I get you a drink first? Coffee, tea?”

“A decaf latte please.”

“Sure.” I go and place an order and head back to Charlotte. I rack my brains for a memory of her. Did I sleep with her? I shove that thought aside and stick to the plan.

“Here you go.”

“Thanks, so you don’t live locally? When did you move away?”

“No, this is just a passing visit.” I’m not here to ‘catch up’ and want to cut to the reason I’m here. “So, I’m hoping you have Lily’s number.” I open with the easy stuff.

“Lily? Lily Hill?” she looks puzzled.

“Yes, you were friends with her in school.”

“I know, and I remember you two being friends, sort of.”

“Do you have her number?”

“Only her old one. I don’t think she’s using it anymore.” She rummages in the cavernous bag she pulls into her lap. She pulls out her phone and taps the screen a few times. “Here.” She slides it across the table, and I look at the digits. It’s the same number I have.

“Thanks. Why do you say her old number?”

“Well, we’re not in touch anymore. It’s sad.”

“Would you mind telling me what happened? I know Tim died.” I want to push for details.

“You’ve seen her? Recently?” Her eyes flash to mine, and I can’t mistake the hope I see.

“Yes, she’s in London.”

“No one’s heard from her for years. She just upped and vanished. When did you see her? Is she alright? How is she?”

Worry and concern etch Charlotte’s expression, and I feel relief that I’m not the only one who thinks Lily’s behaviour is unusual.

“I met up with her a few weeks ago. Can you fill in the blanks?”

“It must have been about five years ago now. She and Tim were in an awful car accident. Someone smashed at high speed into the driver’s side. The car was crushed between other bigger cars on the motorway. It took longer than usual for the emergency crews to arrive and they had to cut Lily and Tim out of the car. Tim died at the scene, and Lily was hospitalised for months.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.