Kindred Hearts

CHAPTER 5 GET-TOGETHER

CHAPTER 5

GET-TOGETHER

Lisa sat in Brunetti’s in Carlton with her friends Julie, Brooke, and Lara the following Saturday afternoon. Her eyes roamed the different sections of the cafe: the huddles of patrons rushing in and out, others carrying trays of hot drinks and sweets, and young families chattering with stuffed mouths. Normally, she’d be pepped up by the chattering voices, the clanking of kitchenware and utensils, the screaming tantrums of children, and the stomping footsteps, but today her head pounded. She took in the sounds and sights, then sipped on her cafe latte while the others sat unusually quiet around her. Her friends’ eyes were on her and she wondered what she would tell them. What was the point? She’d received no other letters. Why worry them?

“How’s little Serenity?” Julie asked, as she flipped her long, auburn curls out of her blue-green eyes.

Lara’s smiling eyes lit up and her hand rubbed a scar on the right side of her neck. Her long chestnut hair was tied up in a ponytail. “She is amazingly clever, but extremely cheeky considering she’s a toddler. Jarod spoils her rotten, though.”

Julie nodded. “As he should. He’s a doting father.”

Brooke stared at Lara with her deep-set brown eyes. Brooke was solidly built and wore a tight fitted t-shirt that showed her curves. In typical Brooke fashion, she bluntly asked, “Now, when’s the next one?”

Lisa chuckled, then covered her hand over her mouth.

Lara’s face paled. “Are you kidding me? I’m struggling with one daughter. This might be it for me.”

Julie played with the strands of her curls and her eyes brightened. “Oh, Lara, I’ll be happy to babysit more than one of your children.”

Lara smiled. “Oh, is that right? And how would Daniel like that?”

Julie touched the rim of her coffee cup. “Well, you know, he’d love to have more children. I hope I can give him that.” She smiled. “I know he’s faced Joy’s loss and we talk about her a lot. I guess it’s a sign he’s okay.”

Lisa reached out for Julie’s hand and stroked it. “I’m sure you guys will be fine when the moment’s right.”

Julie nodded. “Thanks, Lisa. That day will soon come.”

Silence surrounded the table again until Brooke broke the quiet. “Are you okay, Lisa? You’re not your usual, perky self. What gives?”

Lisa swallowed then shrugged. “Nothing. I’m just tired, that’s all.”

Brooke frowned. “You can’t kid a kidder, Lisa.”

Julie changed the subject and gave Lisa a knowing look. She’d always had a stronger connection with Julie than with Brooke, but she was still close to Brooke. She simply had more in common with Julie, and right now she was grateful she was coming to her aid. “How did things go with Johnson the other day?”

“He’s concerned for his mum. Do you guys hold out any hope for her?” Lisa said.

“Daniel thinks it’s not good. She might not survive for much longer.” Julie tightened the clasp on her bracelet. “He’s going to be all alone. He doesn’t have any siblings or other family that I know of.”

Lara stepped in. “He’s got his aunt, but what about his father?”

Julie shook her head. “Daniel said he’s never heard from him, and god knows where he is now.”

“Is there anything we can do to help? I mean, do you think he’d accept my help with a referral to support services? He knows that as a nurse, I’ve got those connections,” Lisa said. “I didn’t ask him last time but maybe I’ll bring it up the next time I visit.”

“I doubt he’ll be open to any of that,” Julie replied.

Lisa grinned nervously. “Well, what about you guys? Can’t you visit him as well?”

Brooke gave a cheeky grin. “I guess we could, but I think he’d prefer your company to ours, if you get my drift.” She winked.

Lisa’s chest warmed. “And what’s that supposed to mean, Brooke?”

Brooke bit her lower lip and spread her hands out in a gesture of ignorance. “Well, I don’t know. I wonder what it means.” She turned her eyes to the group and laughed.

Lara shoved Brooke on the shoulder. “Oh, leave her alone. All in good time, I say.”

Julie sipped the final drops of her coffee then set it down. “He does like you, Lisa. Maybe see where it takes you. Break down that wall.”

“You guys know my history with men, particularly domineering and arrogant guys.”

Brooke nodded. “Sure, girl, but it seems to me that you run for the hills as soon as any guy tries to get too close. Maybe change your approach and take a chance.”

Lisa clenched both her hands. “My mother gave my father a chance, and where did that get her? I refuse to get hurt like my mother.”

Julie gave Lisa a reassuring smile. “But Johnson’s not like that. I mean, you have to really get to know him.”

Lisa sensed herself blushing. “Can we change the subject, please? Johnson and I are just friends. Now let’s leave it at that.”

Brooke leaned forward. “Just one final word. Let him know you’re interested instead of pretending you hate the way he flirts with you. He might just make his move in this century.”

They all leaned back against their chairs in silence, as if giving her space. Lisa turned away and stared into the bottom of her cup. She needed another coffee to lift her spirits. How could she tell them that a relationship would only complicate her life right now?