Chapter 5
It was good to get back to work, doing something she loved. April placed a dressing on the wound and stood up. “There you are. I think that will see you right for the day. Try and keep it clean and dry for a few days. You need to get the stitches out in seven days and I can do that for you. You don’t need to make an appointment so long as it’s during school hours.”
Jeff Brody’s wife Gail and an old classmate of April’s ran a hand over her son’s head. His tear streaked face had gained more color once Drew had finished with him and left April to clean him up. “Thanks, April. He was distraught when the school said he had to come in and get it seen to. Nasty deep cut it was too. I knew it was going to be tricky right on the leg muscle. Drew is good with him, but nobody likes needles.”
“You were very brave, Austin. Let me get you a sucker to put a smile back on your face.” She opened the cupboard over the counter and took down a jar. His eyes lit up when she held it out to the child. “Pick your favorite color.”
“Thanks.” His hand delved in and pulled out a cherry-red sucker and he focused on tearing the wrapping off of it.
“So, you’re back for good then?” Gail glanced over her son’s head. “We should make a date to catch up with some of the crowd. I missed you when you didn’t come back after college and when Aggie said you’d gotten married, well, I was kind of thrown off. I always thought you and Drew would end up together.”
“You know how it is. Things change when you’re apart. Long distance love affairs often break down. But yes, let’s catch up one day. I’d like that.” It would make her feel like she belonged getting back with her old friends. Something she hadn’t felt in years. But that was through no fault of her own.
“Great. I’ll arrange something and get back to you. More of the crowd came back to Hope Island than I thought. The place kind of gets in the blood.”
April trashed the dressing kit into the bin, hoping Gail would hurry up and leave without asking too many personal questions she couldn’t answer. It was to be expected that everybody and their mother would want to see why she was back and what happened between her and Drew. Perhaps it would be better to get it over and done with. Move on. “Yes, it certainly does. But my kids love it and we have a lovely little house to live in. I couldn’t ask for more.”
“Yes, I heard you moved into Atticus’s place. Lucky he’d finished redecorating it and it was empty. Talk about good timing on your part.”
“Atticus owns the gingerbread house?” She stared at Gail, unable to believe what she was saying. He never mentioned it when she was there for dinner. How very strange.
Gail nodded her head, eager to impart what she knew. “Yep, sure does. He brought it a few years back, cleaned it up, and started renting it out. Always someone interested in staying there, which is weird because it always gave us kids the creeps, remember? Anyway, last winter he gave it a complete makeover again and furnished it with really nice stuff. I think Matt helped him choose the furnishings from that shop in Seattle. You know the one that gorgeous model-turned-designer owns? The chick that now has a string of shops up and down the country? Her stuff is to die for. Pity it’s so expensive because I love it. Anyway, then you come along and Atticus gives it to you.” She stopped for a breath and grinned. “The years have been good to that man. He’s still seriously sexy.” Gail laughed and slapped a hand over her mouth when Austin looked up at her with a frown on his face.
“Sorry, but we always did go a little bit crazy over him and he hasn’t changed. Still the hottest man on the island and unattached.” She couldn’t contain her laughter and April had no choice but to follow suit. The gossip sessions they’d shared as teenagers often centered around Atticus Hope, the man with sexiest voice on the planet.
“We were hopeless, weren’t we?” April ran a finger under her eyes to wipe away the tears of laughter. It had been so long since she’d felt this free, and it was exciting to know she could let go of her stress around those she knew and trusted, even if she hadn’t seen them for years. It was true what they said about long distances, time, and best friends. Nothing changed.
“It’s good to see you back, April. I hope we can catch up soon. It’s been too long.” Abi leaned over and gave her a hug then a quick kiss on the cheek. “Missed you, girl.”
“Missed you too. I’m sorry I didn’t keep in touch.”
Gail waved a hand, dismissing her apology. “Don’t worry about it. I know life catches up with us and we all get busy. You can make up for it when I see you again.” She took Austin’s hand and helped him stand up. “Thanks for taking care of this little one for me.”
“Anytime. You take care, Austin.” April walked them out to reception and waved them out the door. She turned to go back to her room and bumped into Drew. She stepped back, a little bit flustered at the contact.
“Sorry. Hey, do you have a minute, April?” He smiled and
