“So you don’t trust me, is that it? You don’t think I’m capable of keeping a secret.”
“What, so youarecapable?” I ask determinedly.
“I can’t believe this.” Vic snatches her bag from under the counter and throws it over her shoulder. “You just keep your secrets to yourself and yourrugby champion. I’m going home.” She looks at the clock. “My shift’s been over for a while, and there’s no point staying unless you want to pay me overtime.”
I shake my head sadly and let her leave. Maybe I took it too far, but I can’t deal with her judgments anymore – let alone the little pieces of gossip she shares with anyone and everyone. I’ve already let her stick her nose into mine and Martin’s business all these years, and I won’t let her do it again with Ryan – even though there’s not a lot to stick her nose into.
It’s over between me and Ryan. Not that anything ever really started. It’s been four days since that night, and there’s been no trace of him. I’ve actually not seen his family around for a while, either – maybe they’re keeping their distance from here, or maybe I’m just imagining things. Why would Ryan have told his family about me? There’s nothing really to tell, and I’m sure their not being around is just a coincidence. Nothing more.
What went on between us was a huge mistake, confusing, something indefinable, impossible to keep going. We gave it a go, but Ryan doesn’t want what I can give him.
I don’t mean anything to him. I’m not what he needs. I’m not what he wants, despite him being exactly what I want.
I slip off the counter and open up the till. I take out the cash from the last few hours and add it to my bag, along with the takings from the rest of the day. Tomorrow morning, I have to go to the bank, which means I’ll need to get up even earlier than usual – which means Evan will probably be late for school.
I switch off all the lights and shrug my jacket on. Grabbing my bag, I head out to the back of the café, where my car is parked; but when I open the door, something smacks hard against my forehead, making me lose my balance.
I fall to the ground, slamming my face against the concrete. I’m confused, my vision cloudy, but I’m still conscious. I reach out over the concrete to try and find my bag, to get hold of my phone, but another blow to the head knocks me out.
Then, darkness.
