Fresh Beginnings

by Iris Blobel

  Mia could've killed him then and there.

  "Jared, what happened to confidentiality and all that stuff?"

  He shrugged. "I'm just trying to get the picture here. Once in my life time I'm taking a holiday and end up with," he nodded towards Ivy, "a hitchhiker who's lost her mother, and two teenagers, of whom fifty percent wasn't even supposed to be here."

  "You're the fifty percent," Mia said to Josh.

  He smiled. "I kind of figured that."

  Ivy let out some soft noises as she rolled from one side to the other. They all stared at her for a moment.

  "Mate, she didn't tell you that she'd never let me finish the conversation, right?" Josh said.

  Jared looked over to Mia, but she simply shrugged.

  "Finish it now," he demanded.

  Mia looked around and suddenly the motorhome seemed even smaller to her. Scarily small. She wasn't able to breathe.

  "I'm tired," she said before Josh was able to start.

  Josh raised an eyebrow, and when she looked over to Jared, she saw he did too.

  Hands up in the air, she said, "Okay, let's hear the rest of the conversation." Yet, even she heard the scorn in it.

  Ivy stirred, and it was obvious she was having a bad dream. Jared stepped over to her and gently stroked her back.

  "Go to bed. We talk tomorrow."

  Mia watched as Jared did his best to settle Ivy. She'd never seen this side of him. Yes, he had always cared, for not only her, but her little niece Hope as well. But she'd never seen him with a woman or even heard him talking about one. Seeing him next to this one brought up so many questions. Mainly, who was she?

  Josh's touch on her arm startled her.

  "C'mon. You hop up first," he said quietly.

  She sighed. Yes, let's get this night next to Josh over and done with.

  "Take an extra blanket," Jared said.

  Great. A cold night ahead of her, next to one very hot body.

  ****

  Jared checked his watch. It was a few minutes after five in the morning. Mia and Josh were whispering at the other end of the motorhome, and it was clear they weren't exchanging any loving words. A quick look past the kitchen bench assured him that Ivy was still asleep. Closing his eyes, he hoped for another hour or two of sleep, but as soon as he heard the door open and shut, he knew he'd had all he was going to get. He groaned. How had everything gone so wrong? What had he done to deserve this mess? In all fairness, he assumed that Mia and Josh's problem would be easily solved. Mia was a Levesque and that meant stubborn to the last degree. These two had been going out for the last four years, with ups and downs, mainly because of Mia, but they made it work. Josh loved her and would do anything for her. Jared knew, not only from talking to Mia, but also to his buddy Mark and by watching both teenagers.

  But Ivy?

  How would he be able to help her? Giving her a lift wasn't the problem. There was, well, not enough room, but they'd make it work. But then what? How far would she travel with them? What would she do afterwards?

  And what about his heart?

  Never in his life had he been attracted to a woman like that. Any woman. And, as much as it hurt him, not even Ally. Never had the laughter or only the sound of a voice stirred him so much, as Ivy's had the last few days. How was he supposed to protect his heart from falling for her?

  Then and there, he made a vow to never go on holidays again! Never.

  The whisper in the front of the motorhome became louder. Ivy was awake and talking to Mia. A few giggles and a few hushed words.

  Women!

  He didn't move, but listened to the noises around him. Somewhere outside a dog was barking. It sounded to him like a happy bark. A few spots further down, someone was revving a car engine, even though it was barely six o'clock in the morning! He was surprised no one complained, but he focused back on the girls who were now opening and closing cupboards and banging pots and pans. A smile crossed his face. Breakfast!

  The door to the motorhome opened and Josh stepped in. His voice boomed through the small space as he said good morning. No reply from Mia, which made Jared smile. She was a stubborn girl indeed.

  "Mate, the lady from the desk recommended we get going early. Apparently they're expecting some rain."

  Jared nodded. Nothing surprised him anymore.

  "Buzz off, it's only six o'clock."

  Josh laughed.

  Jared's plan of attack for the day: Talk to Ivy. Scrap that. Have breakfast first. Get out of Salt Lake City. Ignore the teenagers.

  He threw back the blankets and grabbed his T-shirt and jeans. He tried not to curse aloud considering that he bumped his head, arms, and legs a few times while getting dressed.

  He ignored the girls' laughter, walked past them, and headed for the toilets. As he walked through the icy wind, he dialled a familiar number.

  "Ya have five minutes tops to bring me up-to-date with Mia and Josh."

  "Hello to you, too," he heard Mark laughing. "I've already heard about sharing one bed."

  "OC, I'll strangle you as soon as I get back."

  Mark laughed even louder, and Jared was tempted to hang up, but he listened. As Mark gave him the background, he looked into the distance and saw the dark clouds above the mountains. In fact, he hardly saw the mountains at all.

  "Sophie thought it'd be best for Josh to join her to give him a chance to finish his sentence."

  "Could've told me that piece of information last time we talked."

  "So who's Ivy?" Mark asked.

  Jared didn't want to go there. Especially not over the phone. "A hitchhiker."

  "Try again, Jay."

  Raking his hand through his hand, he replied, "Long story."

  And hung up.

  He did his business and a few minutes later, he was back inside. The smell of bacon and eggs hit him straight away, and his tummy jumped for joy. The table was set, and everyone waited for him to join them. Staring at everyone, he felt slightly off-guard. Weird. Something was wrong with this picture. It didn't fit with his idea of a relaxing and adventurous holiday.

  "Coffee?" he asked.

  Mia pointed to the kettle. "On its way."

  He sat next to Josh, but moved as close as possible to the edge. Touching legs with another man was not on any of his lists.

  "Talked to OC," he said with a full mouth.

  Mia was about to tell him off, at least he assumed that was what the raised hand was for, but he cocked an eyebrow, and she backed off.

  "He told me about Josh wanting to accept a scholarship at the university in Melbourne."

  "A scholarship?" Mia asked as her gaze turned to Josh.

  Jared smiled. Mark had told him, Josh had only mentioned Melbourne and she had gone off like a chook without a head.

  Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Josh nodding.

  "The two of you will talk today." He pointed towards Mia. "And you, young lady, will listen. Understood?"

  Mia nodded.

  The kettle whistled, and Mia stood to finish off the coffee and tea. Jared added some milk and took a sip. Then he placed the cup on the table, took a deep breath, and looked at Ivy.

  "I s'pose we need to talk as well."

  Ivy drew in her lips and nodded in agreement.

  "Righteo. That's a plan." Jared took another sip of his coffee.

  ****

  Ivy's mind was blank. She'd had a good sleep and was grateful for Mia's attempts at little chit-chats, but deep down inside was an empty hole, and she had no idea how to deal with it. While having breakfast, she listened to Jared, Mia and Josh, and their familiarity made her envious for what they had. They had a bond that went beyond friendship. It made her feel lonely. She thought about her mother and struggled with tears. There was no denying it, she was on her own. She'd left Dylan, and her mother had left her. Letting out a deep breath, she took her cup of tea. Only to realise that it was empty.

  "Would you like more?" Mia asked.

  Ivy turned to look
at her. Mia was a beautiful young girl with long, blonde hair, grey-green eyes, and young facial features. Like Jared, Mia always had a cheerful smile on her face. She was small and slim, but it seemed like there was a fit athletic physique hiding underneath the warm clothes. There was no doubt in Ivy's mind that Josh was an athlete. He had brown eyes like Jared, but his hair was somewhat lighter. Ivy followed Josh's gaze to Mia, and she thought if she hadn't lived on the other side of the world, Ivy was sure she'd liked to be friends with her. Millions of people on American roads, and she had to pick an Australian.

  She finally shook her head. "Thanks, but no."

  The men left to get more information on the weather and the roads. Ivy looked at Mia who seemed to study her. She assumed it was quite possibly more absent-minded, otherwise she would've probably turned away.

  "You're wondering how I fit into the whole situation," Ivy said, more as a statement than a question.

  Mia nodded. "The thought has crossed my mind."

  Ivy noticed how the teenager tried not to give into the temptation to smile, which made her smile in return.

  "I kind of left my old life behind and—" Ivy shrugged. "I suppose I kind of met Jared in Las Vegas." There was a brief pause. "Well, kind of south of Vegas. Or kind of closer to the Hoover Dam I suppose."

  "That's a lot of kind ofs," Mia said with a smile.

  Ivy choked out a laugh. "Sorry."

  "What for?"

  Ivy met Mia's eyes. "How old are you again?"

  Mia's laugh was genuine and generous. "I kind of had to grow up early in my life."

  Ivy began clearing the table and said. "I'm sorry about your mom."

  "D'you like Jared?"

  She straightened and turned to look at the teenager. Mia's face expressed a combination of curiosity and concern. Ivy wasn't really sure whether it was for her or Jared to tell her and, if so, how much.

  "Yes, I do," she replied, well aware she left many unanswered questions in the air.

  Mia started to fill the sink with water for the dishes. "Everyone likes Jared."

  "Is there a hint of something?" Ivy asked.

  The teenager turned around. "No. Not at all. It's a fact. Everyone likes him. He's such a great guy." She focused back on the dishes.

  "But—"

  The girl shrugged, and Ivy noticed they were suddenly talking about an issue close to the girl's heart.

  "No but."

  Ivy stepped next to Mia, picked up a towel, and started drying the dishes. "Jared's been really nice and kind to me. I'm not playing with his generosity. In fact, I got a bit of money from Mom, so I can pay my part of the trip."

  Mia stopped and let out a breath. "I didn't mean it like that."

  Ivy smiled and gently placed a hand onto the girl's shoulder. "Yes, you did."

  Mia turned.

  "In a protecting kind of way," she continued.

  The teen smiled. "Kind of."

  When Mia carried on cleaning the plates, Ivy studied her. The girl was in her late teens, but came across a lot more mature. The pain of losing her mother had nearly paralysed her. She had a fair idea how it must've been for a small girl.

  "Mia?"

  "Hmm?"

  "I know it's none of my business, but when we're hurt we feel negativity all around us."

  Nodding, Mia replied. "I didn't mean to offend you. It's just—"

  She stopped when she heard the door open.

  Josh stepped in. "I didn't hurt her," he said as he placed a few more drinks in the fridge.

  "You eavesdropped."

  "Muffin," Josh replied. "I will have to put earmuffs on not to hear you outside."

  Jared came in behind him and looked at Ivy. The smile on his face told her he'd heard their conversation as well.

  "I kind of have the feeling these two didn't behave like gentlemen," Ivy said to Mia.

  "I kind of think you're right." And with that statement, Mia threw the wet dish cloth towards the men.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Jared was pleased when Ivy took over driving. The drive north into Idaho was strenuous and tiring. The rain pelted down hard on the vehicle, and the wind was so strong the motorhome even rocked slightly.

  He looked back towards Josh, who was asleep, and Mia, and then turned to Ivy.

  "How are you?" he asked after they'd had driven a couple of hours.

  She shrugged her shoulders.

  "We need to talk about your plans," he said quietly.

  Ivy nodded. "Yes, we do."

  Then they drifted back into silence again. Jared's mind raced, trying to figure out all the possible scenarios.

  The sound of Ivy's deep sigh hauled him back from his thoughts.

  "Are you going back to Los Angeles?" she asked.

  "Yup, that's where I've gotta be in about two weeks."

  Another nod. The small crease on her forehead told him she was thinking things through.

  "Dale gave me some money."

  Not sure how to respond to that, Jared waited until she continued.

  "I wouldn't mind to have a small holiday before being thrown back into reality."

  Jared's heart jumped. Once for joy, twice for trouble. Yet, he didn't say anything, but turned to look at her. A hesitant smile tugged at her lips, but the frown won.

  "Ivy?"

  She gave him a quick look before concentrating on the traffic.

  "How are you?" he asked again.

  She bit her lip before she exhaled deeply. "I'm fine."

  "Wanna try again?"

  All she managed to do was glance quickly at him, which told him she was on edge.

  Her lower lip quivered. "I'm fine," she said again.

  Shaking his head, he let out a throaty chuckle. "Liar."

  In a sudden move, she brought the motorhome to a stop at the side of the road.

  "What's wrong?" Mia asked from behind.

  Ivy got out and slammed the door shut. Jared watched her as she made her way to his side. Hands on hips she waited for him to get out as well.

  "Kiddos, give us a minute."

  He stepped out as well and raised a questioning eyebrow.

  "Okay," she said. "I'm not fine." She paused. "Not fine at all." Emphasising her outburst, she waved her hands in front of him. "I've just lost my mother. Fair enough, I hadn't seen her for a few years, but she was still my mother."

  Tears started to trickle down her cheeks, and her body trembled. Jared knew this was hard for her. Incredibly hard.

  She lifted her right shoulder in a shrug. "I just don't know how to mourn," she said quietly.

  He pulled her into his arms.

  "I so much enjoy being with you, and I know this is wrong, very wrong, but I want to be happy with you."

  Jared felt her sobs against his chest and the wet tears on his shirt. He held her close and moved his hand up and down her back to calm her. She let out another big sob, and he placed a kiss on her forehead.

  "There's no right or wrong way to mourn someone," he heard Mia say from next to the passenger's door. "You should never feel pressured as to how you are supposed to mourn. It's not something you can judge as right or wrong."

  Ivy put some distance between herself and Jared to look at Mia.

  "It's a reaction to a loss of somebody you loved," she continued as she came closer. "There might be regret for the words you should've said."

  Jared felt momentarily taken aback by Mia's words, but it made sense to him. Sophie had always made sure that Mia understood about their mother's death, as well as being able to cope with not having a mother around. There'd also been Father Mahoney. He had been the girls' mother's friend back in Sydney, and he had reached out to them when their mother had passed away. With tender care and patience, the minister had looked after them for the next few weeks and had guided them. He still called on a regular basis, although these days, however, he dealt more with Mia's teenage trouble.

  Ivy wiped the tears with the back of her hands. "Are you sure you're not old
er?" she asked with a choked chuckle.

  Josh must've woken up and stood now behind Mia. "I doubt it," he added to the conversation. "Otherwise we'd be in Hobart, talking—"

  Oomph.

  He wasn't able to finish his sentence. Mia had elbowed him in his ribs. "We're not talking about you, but Ivy."

  "She was talking about you, though, and I merely—" But he stopped mid-sentence again when she shot him a glare.

  Jared smiled and, at that moment, he was sure whatever the problem was between the two, it could be easily solved. With a slight turn, he looked back at Ivy, who seemed to be amused by the conversation as well.

  "How about we get back on the road before the next shower hits us?"

  They all nodded in agreement then Ivy suddenly said, "There's not much traffic, how about you give Josh a go?"

  Jared's stopped in his tracks and stared at her as if she'd told him she'd killed someone. "I don't think so."

  Ivy shrugged. "Why not?"

  "He's got no experience and… and—" If only he could think of something more solid. "And he's not covered by the insurance."

  There.

  Unlike a few minutes earlier, Ivy now sported a huge grin on her face. "Neither am I."

  Jared looked from Ivy to Josh, who also sported a grin, and then to Mia. Everyone was expecting an answer from him. How did they move from Ivy's problem of not being able to mourn to him making the decision whether the spring chicken should be driving his motorhome? Three sets of eyes stared at him and, at that moment, he'd wanted nothing more than to get behind the wheel and race off.

  ****

  Ivy knew she had pushed it too far, but at the same time, her gut feeling told her that Josh would be really good handling the big vehicle. She couldn't resist a grin when she noticed Jared's struggle to make a decision.

  "I sit at the front with him, explaining him the rules. You and Mia will sit at the back having a chat about—" She hesitated then shrugged. "The conversation she keeps avoiding."

  "Hey," Mia piped, but fell silent when she saw Ivy wink.

  "Come on," Ivy persisted. "Where's your sense of adventure?"