I stand in front of the mirror and my eyes are puffy and swollen from crying. I really screwed up with Austin. I turn the shower on and step inside. I lean my head back and let the water cascade over me.

I pick up the face wash and scrub my face. I lather the loafer with Honey and cream body wash and wash myself.

I close my eyes and let the water wash away the soap. I think about the last time I was in the shower with Austin. I slide down the tile wall and bring my legs up to chest and I cry some more.

In the pit of my stomach I start to feel sick. I climb to my feet and run to the toilet. I lean over the bowl and throw up.

A knock on the door make me look at the door. "What?" I yell.

"Sweetheart, are you alright?"

"Yeah, Mum. I'll see you at brunch. Are Liane and James joining us?"

"Sorry, they left at six."

I rinse my mouth out and then I turn off the taps to the shower. I wrap a towel around me and step into the bedroom.

Austin is lying on the bed. He looks over at me and he frowns. "Let's get this brunch over with and then I can go back to the hotel."

"Austin."

He raises his hand. "Stop, Val. I don't want to hear it now."

I open the door to my bedroom. "Get out. I'm not going to let you watch me get changed. You're acting like an arse. I hope when I get downstairs you've changed your attitude."

Austin climbs off my bed. He stops in front of me and sniffs me. "Honey and Cream. How do you get your body to smell like that?"

I giggle. "It's called soap. You should try." I point to the hall. "OUT!"

Austin steps out of the room. He turns to me.

I slam the door in his face.

He's driving me crazy.

I look through my cupboard and pull out a dress I pull it over my head. I brush my hair and tie it into a ponytail. I enter the lounge room and Austin is sitting there with Uncle Brayden.

Brayden looks at me when I enter. "There's my favourite niece." He stands up.

I run over to him. "Uncle Bray. What are you doing here?"

"Your mother told me she was having a last meal with you before you leave. I couldn't let you leave without saying 'goodbye' to me."

I hug. "Thank you for coming,"

He nods. "I've had a lovely chat with your husband and he's a keeper. I hope you are happy with him. If he gives you problems give me a call and I'll come around and kick his arse."

Mum enters the house and she stands next to the lounge. "Brunch is ready."

We exit the house and sit on the decking.

The table is set with fruits, sandwiches, and tea/coffee. Milk shakes, soft drinks, bacon, eggs, French toast.

Everyone grabs a bit of everything.

I'm not that hungry.

I grab a slice of toast, eggs and bacon. I bite into the brunch.

The eggs don't taste good.

I look over at Mum. "What did you do to the eggs? They taste off."

Mum grabs a forkful of eggs and she sticks it in her mouth. She spits the eggs on the table.

I throw the eggs in the bin and grab another plate. I stick a slice of toast and some fruit on my plate.

I pick up the watermelon and bite into it. The juice runs down my face and hands. I wipe the juice on my dress.

Mum looks at Austin and I. "Are you going to give us any grandbabies any time soon?"

I start coughing as the watermelon goes down the wrong hole. I pick up a glass of water and take a sip.

Austin places his hand on my leg. "No! We're not ready for that yet. Maybe, in a year or two.

Mum looks at me. "You should take over the families company."

I shake my head. "No, I don't want to work for the families company. I've been trying to separate myself from the family for a while now."

Mum looks towards Dad and mouths. "Do something."

Dad stands up and moves towards me. "Come with me." He opens the door to the house and I follow him inside.

I shut the door and move towards the black leather lounge. This wasn't here when I moved out eight years ago.

Dad sits across from me. "Sweetheart are you happy working for Harts Design?"

I shake my head. "Austin's made me look at things differently since I met him. I was sailing through life before he came along. Now, I want to do what makes me happy. But, I don't know what that is."

"I'm going to give you some money from your trust fund to survive in until you find the thing that makes you happy."

I hug him. "Thanks, Daddy."

Dad pulls away. "The money will be in your account tomorrow. You're not married to Austin are you?"

I can't lie to my father.

"No, I hired him through an escort company. They call themselves Hubby for Hire."

Dad laughs. "Nice name. That kid out there loves you. I can see it in eyes when he looks at you. He's watching you right now." He points outside.

I look out the double doors and I can see him watching me.

He turns towards my mother and she talks to him.

Dad whispers. "Whatever has you too pissed at each other it will work out. Every couple has a fight."

I stand up. "Dad, we're not dating."

Dad pulls out a cigarette. "You're not yet. When you do. Give me a call."

"I'm not going to call you, Daddy." I open the door and sit next Austin.

After brunch I help mum with the dishes. The men sit on the decking talking about sports.

Mum doesn't say a word as she washes the dishes.

I dry and put them away.

I'm enjoying the quiet until Austin comes in.

He looks at me. "We need to go." He pulls me behind him.

I run up to to my room and pick up my suitcase. The suitcase bounces down the stairs. Mum and Dad are holding each other.

I hug my parents. "I'll see you both soon. I love you." I kiss them on the cheek.

Austin drags my suitcase along the ground. "It was nice to meet you both, bye." He opens the door.

The limo driver takes the suitcase from him. I climb into the limo next to Austin.

Austin looks out the window the entire drive to the hotel.

A concierge opens the door for us and we step out of the vehicle.

Austin walks straight to the front.

I look around at the foyer. There's chandeliers a staircase with gold handles and carpet, the floor is tiled and the walks are painted a light purple.

Austin gives me a key. "This is for your room." He walks away from me.

***

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