Second Chance Hero (29 page)

“Dad’s favourite film.”

Mum falls asleep on the sofa, and I’m
still watching the film when Brad comes in from dinner with Rachel. I shush him
when he bundles through the door and he gestures for me to follow him into the
garden. For the second time today I sit on my parent’s bench and Brad pulls out
a cigar.

“You up for some?” He puts it in his
mouth and lights it.

“No.” I feel the same way about smoking
as I do about drinking before driving. If dad was taken, healthy as a horse and
sober as a judge, I won't take any risks with anything that’s a proven killer,
“You know what you and Rach are doing is bad, right?”

“Why’s it bad?”

“I’ve been doing it for five years.
Thinking sex without emotions is great, the cure for cancer. But it’s not and
I’m paying big time for it. Even worse when you still dig her but can't trust
her as far as you can throw her.”

“Fair point. We went for dinner though,
we’re not fucking.” He says and I shrug, “What about you and Jen? It’s obvious
you’re having sex.”

“What about me and Jen? We were talking
about you.”

“If she chucks this Kip in, you think
you can trust her knowing she cheated on someone else with you?”

“Yes.” I answer honestly, “Things with
us are different.”

“How?”

“I’m going to marry her. I couldn't give
a fuck about this engagement. When the hospital job is done I’m taking Jen
away, whether she’s with London-Boy or not. Surprise her with a completed
refurb when we get back.”

“Wow,” he smiles, impressed, “well done,
little bro. But what if she doesn’t want to go?”

“She will.”

Mum is still asleep when I get ready to
leave, and I grab some blankets out of the airing cupboard to put them over
her. I don't know whether she sleeps properly or not, but I don't want to wake
her up. I say goodnight to Brad, making sure he locks up when I leave, knowing
Mum is asleep metres from the front door. I listen to the key in the lock
before I walk down the path and along the street, looking up to Jenna’s window
as I walk past. The lights are off in the house; everyone must be in bed. I
shove my hands in my pockets and continue walking past the few restaurants
lining the harbour, getting ready to close up for the night.

I’m shifty and restless, wondering why
Jenna couldn't have just text me to let me know she’d gone home; I’ve got this
constant fear that I’m going to find out that she’s left again, and her not
getting back to me only intensifies the paranoia.

It’s when I walk past the Italian
restaurant on the corner that I notice her. She’s sitting in a chair by the
window and looking out at the sea, but doesn’t notice me. She’s sitting with
two old people I’ve never seen before and I want to know who they are. The man
is drinking from a tumbler and talking animatedly, although even I can tell no
one is listening; the older woman is wearing a suit and sipping from a
champagne flute and staring at Jenna, while Jen rests her chin on her hands and
looks in the opposite direction. What a strange setup; Jen is sitting there
like a teenager sulking with her parents. Who are these old people?

I decide to go and see Jenna in the shop
tomorrow, after I’ve been to the site. At least I’ve seen her, and I know she’s
safe and still in town. I continue walking, crossing over when I pass the
restaurant on the way to the car park.

“I told you I couldn't talk, baby.” I
hear someone say as I walk past the alleyway between the restaurant and the
pharmacy, “It’s complicated... I’ve got so much on and I just couldn't make it
back in time...Yeah? Well, why don't you take them off and make yourself more
comfortable?”

There is no mistaking who this guy is
talking to and where it’s heading. I carry on walking, waiting under the
shelter of the pharmacy for him to finish his conversation; I have to make sure
I get my facts right this time. When he appears from the alley and makes his
way into the restaurant, I take a minute to think about whether I really want
to do what I’m about to do. I don't think too much, letting my feet decide I’m
going in the restaurant.

Kip is sitting next to Jenna and
attempting to feed her some ice cream, but she’s pushing him away and telling
him she’s full. Her eyes almost escape their sockets when she sees me walk in
the restaurant. I didn’t plan what I was going to say, but now with Jenna
looking like she might pass out from shock, Kip glaring at me, and the two old
people, who up close bear a striking resemblance to Kip looking at me, I’ve got
to wing it.

“Hey.” I say, stopping at the table.

“Deac, what are you doing?” Jen asks and
attempts to get up, but Kip sits her back down with his hand on her lap.

“Yes, Deacon.” Kip smiles, “Are you here
to pick up a delivery for another man’s fiancé?”

“I just thought Kip might want to know,”
I rush to get the words out, “that what he just did in the alley is okay.
Because I’m fucking his fiancé.”

Jenna

It’s agonising watching the tug of war. My stomach
is in knots, a scream of encouragement is trying to escape from the back of my
throat, and I hate that it’s for Deacon. No, I hate that I can't cheer him on
and support him, because my
fiancé
is on the other team, red in the face
from pulling so hard. The teams look pretty evenly matched; Deac, Brad and
Steve are the first three along the rope, all looking strong and powerful with
a line of men behind them, but Kip, Jonas and one of the waiters from Blue Rays
are the first three on the other side, all equally strong. I can't even satisfy
my need to tell Deac I want him to win by cheering on my brother, because he’s
chosen Kip. So I just watch as the minutes of the match feel like hours and I
rub my hands down the side of my dress to wipe away the nervous sweat that’s
forming on them.

When Deacon’s team wins I free a small smile and
contain my elation on the inside. But it’s short lived when Kip throws himself
across the floor and tackles Deac down. I cover my mouth to prevent a scream
and grab Jade’s arm.

“Oh my god.”

Kip is on top of Deacon; I think he gets a punch in
before Deac shoves him off and the boys from the teams step in to stop the
fight. I know Deac could have fought Kip back, he probably could have fought
off the three men holding him back, too. But he’s calm, while Kip is thrashing
around like an idiot and if it’s possible, I love Deacon a little bit more.

Kip shouts at him to stay away, and I can't hear
Deac’s response, but he’s composed, and simply says something before walking
towards me. I notice Emma is standing at the stall, and I don't know who she’s
angry with but she looks like she’s about to breathe fire.

“Jenna.” Kip races past Deacon and grabs my wrist as
I’m trying to give the last monkey cake to a little boy in Phillipa’s class to
distract myself, “We need to have this out.”

“Don't worry about the pennies little man. Go spend
it on the hook a duck.” He bounces off and I turn to Kip, “We’re not doing
anything here, Kip.”

I walk away, knowing instantly one, if not both of
them will follow me, so turn around and tell them not to. I sigh in relief when
I realise they don't.

I go straight back to my parents house, desperate to
run away, but knowing I can't because tonight I’m going to tell Kip we’re over.
Mum was right about there being a time and a place, and I think there’s no
better time to tell Kip when we’re alone at dinner, knowing he won't have to
come back here again, and would have already said his goodbyes to my parents.

The family get back late afternoon, and I’m sitting
in Dad’s seat, watching people as they walk home, struggling with tombola toys
and other prizes they’ve won.

“Everything okay, querida?” Dad asks as I move over
and let him sit down.

“Everything is fine, Pop.” I accept the kiss on the
forehead, and jump up to make tea when Kip and my mum walk through the door.

I don't want to talk to him, I don't want to look at
him; what he did at the fete was unfair on the family - the only people I’ve
been trying to protect during this madness. It isn’t fair that they be
questioned when they are out shopping, or have rumours spread about their
daughter for them to hear when they’re out and about. Kip just opened the gate
and let the lions out, and it’s my parents who have worked hard for this town
and their reputation within it who will suffer. But I have to put up with him
for the next few hours, before we go for dinner tonight.

“Jen, where did you go?” Kip asks, joining me in the
kitchen, and I want to throw the tea cups at him.

“I came home.” I answer, stepping away from the
counter, “Can you make everyone tea, please? I need to have a sleep or I won't
make dinner tonight.”

I climb up the stairs, waving a hello to my mum on
the way, and check my phone when I lay down on my bed, with my bedroom door
locked. I didn’t realise Deacon sent me a text. I hit the reply button, but I
fall asleep before I can send it.

All I can think about as Kip and I walk to the
restaurant is that I didn’t text Deac back; he’s going to worry, think I’m
annoyed at him, when really I owe him for not fighting back and causing a
bigger scene. I tell myself it doesn’t matter, because when Kip has left
tonight, I’m going to his house and telling him everything I’ve always wanted
to tell him. I just have to get through this dinner first.

The restaurant is busy when we get there; it’s the
restaurant we came to when I told him about the shop and he walked out on me. The
first night I slept with Deacon. We’re seated in a four-seater near the window
and I love that I can look out at the sea, thinking about everything that
should have been said that night on the beach, and store it to memory to say
later. Kip orders a bottle of wine and an antipasti platter.

“Kip?” Calls a woman’s voice and I look up,
wondering how he knows anyone in this town.

The two people standing by the table, dressed for
dinner are not from Folquay, and I recognise them instantly from pictures in
Kip’s apartment. Why didn’t I see this coming? Of all the things he’s sprung on
me recently, and how he’s tried to trap me to him, I should have known he’d
invite his parents to dinner.

“Mum, Dad,” he greets and stands. I want to make
myself the fiancé they hate, but my manners give in and I stand too, “this is
Jenna. My fiancé.”

“Jenna.” His dad coos and pulls me into a hug. He’s
a stern looking man, and from stories I’ve heard about Kip’s upbringing I know
I should just keep conversation short, and not give him any of my opinions, “It’s
nice to finally meet you. We’ve heard so much about you.”

“Likewise.” I smile, knowing this is not going to
plan. And knowing that he’s a strict, slave-driving, narrow-minded kind of man.

“This is my mother, Audrey.” I hold my hand to shake
her hand, but she just looks at it.

“Kip didn’t tell us you were oriental.” She sneers.
Boy, this is going to be a fun night.

“I’m not.” I snap, not caring what this woman thinks
of me, “My dad is from Spain.”

“Ah, I see.” Her smile is more like a wince, and I
give up on being nice, sitting down and devouring my glass of wine when the
waiter brings it.

“So what plans do you have for the wedding?” Audrey
asks me, and I know she wants this wedding to go ahead just about as much as I
do.

“No plans. We’ve been engaged for a week. I have no
plans to rush into anything.”

“We’re hoping to be married by Christmas.” Kip
contributes, and I turn and look out of the window.

“No. We won't be married by Christmas.” I answer,
because as far as I’m concerned we won't be married at all.

“She’s trying to adjust.” He says to his parents as
if I’m not even here, and I couldn't care less.

I know he planned this. I saw it in his eyes when
his parents turned up; it’s all part of this plan he has of pushing me into
something deep down he knows I don't want to do. I’ve always made it perfectly
clear to him that I’m a one-day-at-a-time kind of girl, and that always
included moving in together, children, and legally binding yourself to someone
in front of God until the day you die. Yes, I was always against marriage,
because I refuse to make promises I have no desire to keep with anyone other
than Deacon Reid.

I wouldn’t be surprised if he saw this coming; if he
knew I was going to do this and drafted his parents in last minute to corner me
in this restaurant until I agreed to one plan or another. How am I supposed to
break up with him when I’m with his parents and squashed between him, opposite
his mother, who has spent most of the evening checking me out just like April
did, and a column that I thought was quirky when I sat here? Not now; it’s cut
off any escape routes.

“So what are your plans for the future, Jenna?” His
Dad, Barry, asks.

“I’m in the process of refurbishing my new shop.
I’ll keep the London shops open and continue here, running the shop myself.”

“You're going to have your marital home here?” His mum
asks.

“I’m staying here.” Is all I say, because I’m not
talking to this woman about homes, or her clear dislike of Folquay.

            Kip’s phone rings from his pocket while
we’re waiting for dessert and he stands up, luckily being able to escape this
hell.

“I have to get this, it’s the office.” He says, and
disappears out of the door.

I turn my back on his parents, staring out of the
window, my eyes fading into a trance on the dark ocean ahead. I can feel his
mother’s eyes burning into my back, but his father carries on talking to
himself over his glass of whiskey. I have no idea what he’s saying, if he’s
talking to me or to Audrey, and I block her out too, hoping Kip won't return
and suggest moving to Folquay. I’m going to have no time alone with him, and at
this rate, I’m going to have to split up with him while he’s getting in his car
outside my parents house. That is not the way I want to do it.

Kip returns to the table as the waiter brings over
our ice cream sundaes and I feel sick. I’ve barely eaten, and I actually think
I might throw up what I have consumed when I see Deacon walk into the
restaurant and head straight to our table.

“Hey.” He says, his voice caressing my ears like
melted chocolate.

Words are said between him and Kip, but all I hear
is something that Kip did in the alley and, “I’m fucking your fiancé.”

“What?!” I shriek, desperately trying to get to my
feet, but the back of my chair collides with the column and Kip has no
intention of letting me up.

“I just heard him get some girl off over the phone,
Jen.” Deacon says and I’m lost in a sea of confusion, wondering how this
happened, “You don't need to feel guilty now. He’s clearly the kind of man who
disrespects women. She was wearing black lace and he made her call him Sir.”

He shrugs, something flashing across his eyes so
quickly I can't see what it is, and then he leaves. I scramble up as best as I
can.

“Move, Kip.”

He shakes his head, but I have to get out. I can't
let Deacon walk away after what he just said, so I launch myself over Kip,
climbing across his lap and falling on my hands and knees on the floor. I
struggle to my feet and ignore everyone at the table calling me to come back. I
run out of the restaurant and the door slams back against the wall as I throw
myself out onto the street.

“Deac!” I shout, seeing him walking away with his
hands shoved in his pockets. I kick my heels off, leaving them on the floor and
run after him, “Red, stop!”

“So now I’m your Red am I?” He turns around to face
me, “When there’s no one else around?”

“Stop it!” I shout, “Why did you do that?”

“Why did you have dinner with his parents?”

“I didn’t know they were coming. It was supposed to
be the two of us.”

“Well that makes it better.” Sarcasm laces his voice
and he walks away but I walk as fast as I can to keep up.

“Why did you have to come in and say that?” I ask,
grabbing on to his arm to keep pace with him, “Why couldn't you have told me
when we were on our own?”

“I’m sick of hiding everything.” He bites, “If
you’re embarrassed to be with me then fine, but at least be honest about it.”

“I’m not embarrassed.” Why would he think that?

“Just go back to Kip, Jenna.”

“No. I'm here with you.” I pull him to a stop, “Talk
to me.”

“I don't want to talk to you. I’m sorry I outed you
in front of him, but I’ve given you the choice now. Go back and beg for
forgiveness, or come with me and don't look back.”

“I have to go and talk to him.”

“Of course you do.” He continues walking and I let
him, knowing I’ll make everything okay. He turns to me as he walks backwards,
“Just remember I was there, Jenna. When he didn’t give a fuck, I was there.”

I watch him walk away, wishing I didn’t have to go
back and sort out what just happened in the restaurant. I’ll make him see
everything, I will. But I turn and walk back to the restaurant; Kip and his
parents are still inside, eating dessert like nothing happened.

“I asked them to take yours back and bring out a new
one.” Kip says, sliding his chair back for me to squeeze through and sit down.

“It’s not going to happen.” I slide the ring off my
finger and hold it in a fist, “I don't care about the girl on the phone, Kip.
I’ve been in love with Deacon since before I can remember, and there’s no one
in this world who can eclipse that. I’m sorry I cheated, and that you found out
this way, but we were never going to make it. I don't want to see you again.”

I put the ring on the table, watching his mouth open
so violently, it clicks. I turn and walk away, and he says nothing.