With my bright pink suitcase shoved onto my back seat, the window down and an unknown future ahead, I suck in a breath to settle the nerves bouncing around within me. Where am I going?
After driving around for an hour, I decide I need a plan of action. A massive drink right about now would be fabulous. A pub–that’s what I need.
My phone has been sounding off messages nonstop all afternoon, calls from Mum and Dad, Crystal, and Ryan. Ignoring everyone, I pick up my phone with someone else in mind. Janie . . .
Her phone rings once. “Today sucks big hairy balls,” I reply after her greeting. Relief floods through me, grateful I can still call her my friend.
“Are you okay? I’ve had Crystal calling me . . . nonstop.”
My face screws up with the mention of her name. “Oh, stuff that bitch.”
“Ouch. What happened?” she asks.
“She didn’t tell you?”
“No.”
“Can I meet you somewhere? Right now, I have nowhere to go and no one I trust.” I choke on the words.
“Yeah, sure. Where are you?”
“About ten minutes from where I once worked.”
“Okay, I’m glad it’s my half day. I’m walking out the door. I’ll meet you at Trent’s pub.”
“See you then.” Glancing down at my watch, it reads two-fifteen. Yeah, I’m grateful for Janie’s half day too, otherwise I don’t know what I’d do.
With a heavy heart, I pull up outside the bar, deciding I won’t be limiting my drink consumption. A heavy drink is needed. Usually Crystal would be designated driver one night of the weekend or whenever I needed her, but this isn’t an option now. There’s always cabs, right? Crystal’s called another six times. My message bank will fill up soon, but it doesn’t matter. I’m sick of the constant calls, so to prevent them and so I don’t have to hear the ringing anymore, I shut the phone off.
Janie stands outside waiting for me. It’s a nice afternoon; a cool spring duskiness dances in the air. I’m surprised I can see something positive in a day like today.
“Hey Chloe.”
“Hey.” Her arms open for an embrace and I welcome it. It’s something I’ve needed all day.
“Let’s go get a table. Have you eaten today?” she fusses.
I ponder on her question. Have I eaten today? I think I recall having toast before I walked out the door for work. My stomach rumbles at the thought of food. “I don’t think I’ve had anything since this morning.”
She leads the way inside to our usual table. Taking our seats, I sigh heavily. Tears stream down my face, all the pent-up emotions releasing once again, only this time . . . tenfold. I don’t care if other patrons in the bar might think I’m crazy. The dam wall collapses, and all before I’ve had a chance to tell Janie all the details.
“What’s going on? I’ve not seen you like this before.” Her hand rests on my arm, comfortingly.
I fill her in on the events that unfolded, from the time I walked out of the office doors until now.
Janie’s left speechless. Her mouth hangs open. “I have no words,” is all she manages to achieve.
“Yeah, tell me about it.”
“Oi, Trent, my man!” she calls to the bartender, who also happens to be the owner. We’re two of his regulars, so he stops drying the glasses fresh from the dishwasher and strides over to us. He’s a good-looking man, maybe fortyish. Well, that’s my assumption anyway. He’s still hot for an older guy. He’d have some experience under his belt. His dark hair has a few specks of grey. He has the most piercing blue eyes—they would make any woman swoon, including myself and Janie.
“What can I do for you, pretty ladies?” His thick Irish accent raises my pulse a little every single time.
“We need a round of drinks, you know the usual and whatever the special is. Chloe here has had one hell of a rough day.”
He walks around the bar, coming towards me. His arm falls over my shoulders, then he leans down, giving me a kiss on the cheek. Talk about unexpected. At least it makes me smile “Alright, I’ll be right back with ya drinks.” A friendly smile from Trent meets my eyes. I swear, I’ve become a puddle of mush.
I lean into Janie. “Honestly, why can’t I find someone like Trent? Nice, charming, a hot Irish accent, and he has the looks to go with those attributes.”
She giggles, as do I. It’s amazing to share a happy moment.
“Because a man like that would be too hot to handle, especially with your track record.”
I roll my eyes at her response. “Oh, gee thanks,” I reply, sarcasm rolling off my tongue. Her words are a stab to the heart. Deep down I know she’s joking, but I guess she’s right . . . in a way. My relationships always happen to end badly. I’m terrible at picking men . . . obviously.
“You know I’m playin’ with ya.” She shoves me mischievously.
“Yeah, yeah.”
As we wait, I tell her about my parental issues. “I’m so sorry, Chloe, I hope you can find some closure.” She wraps me in her arms once again.
I look around and take in the bar; it’s rustic woodsy style is homey and welcoming. My thoughts wander to my dad. Is he my dad? Am I going to have to search for my real father? What am I going to do now? There are so many unanswered questions.
The walls around me are filled with pictures from Trent’s travels. I swear he’s been everywhere. There doesn’t seem to be a blank spot on his walls.
“Would you ever leave here?” The question randomly pops into my head seconds before I verbalise it.
She looks up to the pictures I’m gazing at. “I think sometimes a holiday is good. You thinking of leaving?”
Shrugging my shoulders, I respond, “It’s just a thought. I’d love to be able to leave, but I’ve got my family here.” Family . . . Where do I stand with my family? Am I angry? Yes. Am I hurting? Yes. Can I forgive Mum? Who knows? At this moment in time, no . . . it’s too much for me to deal with.
“Have you spoken to your mum or dad since you left?”
I shake my head. “Nah, I haven’t wanted to talk to anyone. Crystal has been calling, as well as Ryan.”
“Those two have some balls contacting you. Their apologies are nothing.”
“I don’t plan on talking to either of them any time soon.”
“Two shots and two beers on the house for my lovely ladies,” Trent announces, placing our drinks as well as two large burgers on the table.
“Thanks, Trent,” Janie and I say in unison.
Janie takes her shot, and raising it in front of her, she says, “To new beginnings.”
I raise my glass to hers and we down our shots. I then suck in a quick breath to take away the burn. It feels good.
A comfortable silence falls between us. I’m lost in my own little world, a world now housing many cracks. As I glance around, people-watching, something catches my eye.
It’s a picture on a wall. Something about this image captures me, like a lasso. It draws me in. I hop out of my seat and walk towards the framed photo.
“Where are you going?” Janie questions.
“To look at one of these pictures,” I reply.
She quickly hops up and follows. The picture is of a beach lookout. There’s an old wooden bench, and the photographer has taken the picture from behind the seat, looking out at the ocean. It’s a beautiful aqua blue colour.
It’s stunning. For some strange reason, the image sends a peacefulness through me. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Out of nowhere, a small voice calls my name. Chloe, a new beginning awaits.
“Did you say something?” I ask, turning to Janie who’s watching me closely, she shakes her head.
“Are you okay, ladies?”
I jump at the sound of Trent’s voice so close, not expecting him to be standing right beside me looking at what’s captured my eye.
With my hand clutching at my pounding chest, I reply, “Yeah, can you tell me about this photo?”
A smile spreads across his face while he ponders on the image. “This picture is one I won’t forget . . . This place was amazing. It holds a special place in my heart.” His hand rests over his own heart.
“Where is it?” I ask, hopeful. This place could be my chance for something different. Before he answers, I already know, no matter where it is, it’s where I’m going.
“It called Canyon Bay.”