Don't Look Back by Nicola Graham Read Free Book Online

I take a small step backward and casually slide my hands down his forearms, gently pinning them to his sides, safely away from me. Matthew seems oblivious to my crazy reaction; his attitude remains calm and cool. I guess the electrical storm and near heart attack are one-sided.
    He turns back to the bar and grabs his pint of beer, taking a drink from the frothy top before turning back to me.
    “I told Terry I would stop by on my way out.” Matthew speaks slowly and precisely, his Australian accent only obvious on certain words as he nods toward where Terry is standing. “I haven't seen him in ages. He invited me the other day when he found out I was back visiting. Funny, he didn't mention anything about you being here.” A quizzical look crosses his brow.
    I quickly reply, hoping he doesn’t think this is a setup or some type of sabotage. “I flew in today. He didn’t know I was coming because Jenny secretly invited me.” I scramble, trying to explain my appearance. “I’ve never been able to make any of their other events, something always comes up.” I look at Diana tearing it up on the dance floor, unaware of the reunion taking place at the bar.
    Reaching for my wine, I hope Matthew doesn’t notice my shaking hands. I try to keep them busy while my mind goes crazy. I can’t believe Terry invited Matthew and didn’t give me any warning. What a jerk! He, of all people, knows what went on between us; Terry and Diana were there during most of our relationship. And now it makes sense why Joe found things so humorous—he obviously was aware of what was going to happen tonight. What a typical guy! Diana must not have known anything, otherwise I am sure it would have been the first thing out of her mouth when she saw me. Coming here tonight, Matthew is the last person I thought I would run into; in truth, I never thought I would see him again.
    “Can I get you another wine?” Matthew asks, still staring at me, and I realize I am lost in my thoughts.
    "No, thank you, I’m doing okay.” I raise my half-full wine glass.
    “So, you said ‘on my way out.’ Are you off home already?” I try to stay unruffled even though I have so much to ask. Matthew takes a deep breath; he stares at his beer, both elbows on the bar, his head slightly bowed, his energy suddenly depleted.
    “I had my father's funeral today.” His voice is flat, unemotional; he keeps his head down, lookinginto his drink.
    I’m speechless. My mind races though memories, trying to piece together what I can remember about his childhood and his dad. I don’t remember much; it was mostly him and his mum. I don’t recall his dad at all, and I feel even worse because my memory is failing me.
    “Oh, Matthew, I'm so sorry. I had no idea.” I reach out my hand, touching the silky sleeve of his jacket, gently trying to convey my sincerity. He turns his head toward me and smiles hollowly.
    “Thanks, Kate, but it’s okay. I hardly knew the man. Funny how he didn't give a shit about me my whole life, but the arsehole dies, and I have to fly halfway across the world, leaving my wife and kids to come and take care of his business.” He laughs, but I can hear the hurt disguised in his voice. “Life has a weird way of making things happen.” He shakes his head, apparently holding a one-sided conversation with himself.
    He takes another drink of his beer, exhaling deeply as he puts down the glass. Looking at me again, he regains control of himself and perks back up. The guard he let down a moment ago slides back into place, masking the real Matthew. I watch in awe.
    “Anyway, I should have most things wrapped up and head home to Sydney on Tuesday. What about you?” He’s smiling again, a little sparkle returning to his eyes. “You here long?”
    “No, I flew in for this; I fly back to LA on Tuesday. Since I pretty much come home yearly, I didn't tell anyone about this surprise visit. We were here a couple of months ago, my daughter and I, soI’m