The Holly Project by K.A. Sterritt Read Free Book Online Page B

thought. But when I told him yesterday, he seemed surprised.”
    “That’s strange. He friend-zoned me ages ago.”
    “That’s just it, though. I think he may have been re-evaluating that last night.”
    “Wouldn’t you find that awkward? You two are like an old married couple.”
    “Just make sure you break up amicably is all I ask.”
    “Why do you always assume things are going to end, Holly?”
    “Because they always do. I just don’t want to lose either of you in the fallout.”
    “Enough about me. Talk to me about the guy you left the club with.”
    “Sam.” I took a big gulp of my coffee. “Sam was… fun.” I glanced up to see her shaking her head. She seemed disappointed in me.
    “So Ryan is off the menu then?” she asked, shaking her head. “I was kind of hoping you’d see where that could go.”
    “Well, I didn’t end up sleeping with Sam. I just couldn’t get Ryan out of my head.”
    Audrey smiled as she spread Vegemite on toast.
    “There’s no chance I’m risking my career over a guy, though, no matter how hot he is. Anyway, Sam is fun. I gave him my number.” As I took a bite of my toast, savouring the salty goodness, I suddenly remembered my conversation with Dad. “Oh, I almost forgot. Any chance you want to come to lunch with my family today?” I asked, feeling a bit guilty that it had slipped my mind.
    “Oh, sure, I’d actually love to come. I haven’t seen your Dad and sisters since April’s twenty-first. When was that?”
    “Um… April.”
    “Oh right, sorry. I’m a little bit hungover here,” she replied with her eyes shut, hitting her forehead with her hand.
    “Righto. Well, we’re due there around midday. I’ll drive.” I put my coffee mug in the dishwasher and wiped the crumbs from the bench.
    “What time is it now?”
    “Ten-thirty. Plenty of time to become presentable – well, for me anyway. I clearly didn’t drink as much as you.”
    “Ugh. Thanks a lot.”
    Smiling, I handed her another cup of freshly brewed coffee. She breathed in the fumes as if they alone could cure her pounding head.
    ***
    Dad still lived in the same house my sisters and I grew up in. Everything about it had Mum’s stamp on it. It was impossible to escape the vivid memories in every room. I found the place both eerie and comforting, although I flat out refused to go into the master bedroom. Jamie was in high school and still lived at home. Technically, April still lived there too, but according to Jamie she didn’t spend many nights at home. She had been with her boyfriend Connor for four years now, which seemed insane to me. They were so young.
    Despite finding my family home a place of mixed emotions, I loved the street. Large liquidambars lined the street, forming an avenue of leaves. I had fond memories of April and I collecting cicadas in a box and climbing those trees with our friends – completely carefree. I don’t remember a single adult in any of those memories.
    “Is that a For Sale sign outside your house?” Audrey asked as I was parking.
    “No way. Dad would’ve told me.” A feeling of dread suddenly swept over me as I walked towards the house. Audrey was right. A large sign had been erected, emblazoned with a picture of the back verandah overlooking the swimming pool.
    “I’m guessing that’s what today’s conversation topic will be.” Audrey put her arm around my shoulders. “You okay?”
    “Of course. I thought he would have done this years ago.” Why was I lying to my best friend, who would have completely understood my horror?
    Dad met us at the front door with warm hugs.
    “Hi, Mr Ashton,” Audrey said.
    “How many times have I told you to call me George?” Dad replied. His warm smile conveyed the genuine love he felt for her.
    “Sorry, George. Old habit, I guess,” Audrey replied.
    “What’s with the sign, Dad?” I asked, trying to appear unaffected.
    “Come inside, Holly. April, Jamie and Connor are out the back. We’ll talk over