Shelter by Claire Boston

Author:Claire Boston [Boston, Claire]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bantilly Publishing
Published: 2019-05-18T16:00:00+00:00

An hour later he whistled as he drove his truck towards Albany. He’d sent Jamie a text asking him to call, but it would probably be a couple of hours before he’d have a break between classes. Jeremy slowed at the turn off to his place. Stopping to check on Zamira wouldn’t be productive and she might not be there. She’d messaged him to say she hadn’t found Annisa but needed to check on her hire car.

After he heard back from Jamie, he’d call her and if he got his work done he could go home early. The idea of someone to go home to made him all warm inside.

He drove directly to the large hardware store and parked near the trade entrance. Aside from varnish, he needed to buy the ply for his desk drawers and then he’d pick up his order.

The massive warehouse had the ceiling arching high above and the shelving in long rows. He found a trolley, headed for the varnish aisle.

As he examined the different options a voice said, “Jeremy?”

He turned and then stumbled back like he’d been punched in the gut. “Moira.” He only recognised his baby sister because a mutual friend had pointed her out at an Australia Day celebration a couple of years ago. His fingers tightened on the can he held. She looked well. Her long blonde hair was styled in layers around her face and her cheeks were flushed from the cold. She was waiting for him to say something. “How’s it going?”

“Really good.” Her smile was cautious. “I just got engaged.” She gestured to the man next to her. “This is Ollie.”

His chest squeezed. Christ. His little sister was old enough to be engaged. Of course she was. It had been thirteen years since he’d been part of her life. Jeremy shook Ollie’s hand summing him up. His handshake was firm and he smiled, his eyes kind. That was good. Not that he had any say in his sister’s life. Hadn’t been a part of it since he was fifteen. “Congratulations.”

“Nice to finally meet you. You should come to dinner one night.”

Jeremy glanced at his sister. Didn’t this bloke know what had happened?

“Great idea,” Moira said. “I’d really like to catch up.” She touched his arm, her eyes uncertain.

His throat closed over. She’d been only ten when their father had died, when their mother had kicked him out. He remembered her as a sweet girl, playing with her dolls and obsessed with dancing and singing. She’d always begged him to play with her and he could never refuse. He’d even let her put makeup on him and they’d put on a show for their parents and Heather. He closed his eyes, trying to block the pain. How much of that girl was still there? He doubted she played with dolls anymore. Who was he kidding? This young woman was a stranger. “Where do you live?”

“We’ve got our own place in Lockyer,” she said.

So no longer living with their mother.

No, he couldn’t get his hopes up, couldn’t stand here making small talk with her.

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