The Maxwell Sisters by Loretta Hill Read Free Book Online Page A

number.’
    Phoebe hung up, her fingernails madly tapping on her palm. Worry was definitely beginning to set in. What was going on with Tash? Where was she? She decided to call Heath to find out. He was probably at work too but she had his mobile.
    Unfortunately, her call to him also went straight to voicemail so she left a message. ‘Hi, Heath, it’s me, Phoebe. How are you? Sorry it’s been so long since we last spoke.’ She took a deep breath. Leaving messages was always harder than you envisaged. Particularly keeping it short and concise with so much whirling around in your head. ‘Look, I’m calling because I was wondering if you and Tash got the invitation to my wedding on the 15th of March and if you’ll be able to come to Tawny Brooks a month early to help out. There’s heaps of work to be done on the restaurant so I could really use your expertise.’ She bit her lip. ‘I’ve been trying to get hold of Tash but she doesn’t appear to be picking up her phone. I also just heard she’s no longer working at Gunnings Food Group. Is everything okay? Call me, all right?’
    She put the phone down and was startled when it rang back almost immediately.
    â€˜Phee, it’s me.’
    â€˜Tash! Oh, thank God. I was starting to worry. Why haven’t you returned any of my calls? I even tried calling your work. Why didn’t you tell me you’d moved on?’
    â€˜Because I haven’t really,’ Natasha replied. ‘I’m still looking for work.’
    â€˜Any luck?’
    â€˜Not really. The market is pretty slow right now.’
    â€˜So then why did you quit? I thought you liked it there.’
    There was a pause. ‘I did. And I didn’t quit. They let me go.’
    â€˜Oh.’ Understanding dawned on Phoebe. Her sister had always been such a high flyer and this would have been a blow. Maybe this was why she had been so distant lately. Say something positive . ‘Don’t worry, Tash, with your reputation you’ll get a job again in no time.’
    Her sister was uncharacteristically silent so she tried another tack.
    â€˜Why don’t you just take a break for a while? Do something fun. I mean, money isn’t an issue, is it? Heath still has his job, right?’
    â€˜Y-yes.’
    â€˜Well, there you go,’ she finished brightly. ‘Speaking of fun. Did you get the invitation to our wedding?’
    â€˜I … we did,’ Tash’s voice seemed firmer. ‘Actually, that’s why I rang.’
    â€˜You are coming, right?’ Phoebe tried to lighten the mood with a jokey tone. ‘You’re in the bridal party, remember.’
    Her lightheartedness was lost on her sister. ‘Of course I remember,’ Tash replied seriously.
    â€˜I actually have another favour to ask you,’ Phoebe began tentatively. ‘Could you and Heath come down to Tawny Brooks a month early?’
    â€˜A month early?’ Her sister hedged. ‘Why?’
    â€˜Because the restaurant is a mess and I need your help. But especially Heath’s, him being the engineer and all.’
    There was a rather long pause. ‘I don’t think Heath will be able to come.’
    â€˜Why?’ Phoebe couldn’t help feel slightly hurt by Tash’s response. She hadn’t even said she’d ask him. ‘Why?’
    â€˜He’s just really busy at work right now. Huge project on. They just can’t let him go. Not for a whole month.’
    â€˜Oh.’ Phoebe was genuinely disappointed.
    â€˜I mean,’ Tash rushed on, ‘I’ll be there, of course. I just don’t want Heath to tick off his boss by taking all that time off. Especially since I’ve already lost my job.’
    Fair call.
    Phoebe’s heart lightened. ‘No, I wouldn’t want that for you guys. Don’t worry, I’ll try and get someone else.’
    â€˜Thanks, Phee.’
    â€˜Besides,