The Summerhouse Girls by M J Hardy

Author:M J Hardy [Hardy, M J]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-05-27T16:00:00+00:00

24

GINNY

I’m not sure what I missed, but something has happened. I’ve been so wrapped up in my own misery, I never saw this coming. As soon as Sonia told me the devastating news, my mind has been scrambled and as I sit beside Catherine on the bus, I lower my voice to a harsh whisper.

“How are you bearing up? That was some bombshell Sonia threw at us this morning.”

Catherine nods and says with a deep sigh. “I’m trying not to think about it. Connor will be unbearable and, quite frankly, the thought of going home to face him is not a pleasant one. What about you, though? From the sound of it, this affects you more than any of us?”

A sharp pain hits me as I face my ruin and I say sharply, “I feel like a fool.”

“Why?” Catherine’s face is a picture of concern and I sigh. “I never sought advice. I went ahead and re-mortgaged my house because I trusted Daniel. Who does that?”

“He can be very persuasive.” Catherine says thoughtfully and I shrug dejectedly. “Even so, I should have investigated it a bit more and asked for Jasper’s advice, perhaps.”

“Do you think they invested?” Catherine says with a sly look in our fortunate friend’s direction.

“I don’t know. Probably not if it was a bad investment. Men like Jasper don’t rise to the top if they make mistakes. I’m guessing he makes very few of them due to the wealth they enjoy.”

“I suppose.” Catherine hesitates before saying with a frown. “I’m dreading going home.”

“Connor?” From the expression on her face, I’ve hit the mark, and she appears so worried it chases my own demons away for a moment.

“Why?”

I’m concerned for my friend because I never once considered she was anything but happy, however, at the mention of the pre-paid card and her reluctance to head home, tells me she’s been suffering in full view, and we were all blind to it.

“It’s well…” The desperation on her face makes my blood run cold and I watch a lone tear form in the corner of her eye that she blinks furiously away.

“I don’t love him anymore.”

I just stare as she appears amazed at the sound of her own words and then, feeling a little braver, says in a whisper. “I’m not sure I ever did.”

The bus stops at some traffic lights and the noise of the engine is muted for a moment, giving us time to digest what she said.

I note the conversation is limited around us as Sonia sits beside Samantha, leaving Amanda to sit on her own in front. Each one of them appears lost in contemplation and, as the engine starts again, I whisper, “Do you want to talk about it?”

She nods, which is another surprise because in all the years I’ve known her, Catherine has maintained a polite silence when it comes to her own thoughts and feelings.

“Do you mind, but not here?”

“On the flight, perhaps?” I ask and she nods, throwing me a grateful smile. “I would like that.

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