Journey to Her Dreams

by Iris Blobel

  One night, after returning from their dinner at a pub, she checked the time difference and gave him a call.

  “Twinkles, yes, I have a small apartment in Sydney. It just made more sense, because I got sick of the hotel rooms. I swear I wasn’t hiding it from you. If you have a good look at your ticket, you’ll see you have a twenty-four-hour stopover in Sydney. I’m going to meet you there to have you on my own for a day before everyone else bombards you with questions.”

  Hollie wasn’t convinced yet. “What about the head-men…seekers…or whatever they’re called?”

  “Headhunters, Twinkles. Headhunters are common, especially for business people in my position. Executive headhunters are specially hired by organisations to help them fill vacancies on a regular basis. Yes, there are a few offers floating around, but at the moment I’m not interested. I’m more interested in getting the company back into the black and being close to you. Should a tempting position come up, I will let you know, and I suppose it’s something we both will discuss. Anything else on your mind?”

  Hollie rubbed her forehead with her fingers. “I’m sorry.”

  “Getting impatient?” Jeremy asked softly.

  She struggled to hold back her tears. “More like getting tired and homesick.”

  “Hey, this was obviously on your mind. Trust me, I have no secrets, and I won’t hurt you. I’ll get your dad to call you if you want.”

  Her heart did a double beat. “Would you? I miss him heaps.”

  “I go over there on Sunday before church. You try to relax and enjoy your time. How are you sleeping?”

  “Like a rock, but that’s no surprise. I’m doing a twelve-hour workout on my feet every day,” she explained. “I did have a dream the other day, though. Quite embarrassing when Davo woke me, but he’s been quite good about the whole thing.”

  “Same old story?” Jeremy asked, his voice holding some concern.

  “Yes, in a way, but this time I was introduced to the kitchen.” Hollie sighed as she sat down. “Anyway, Davo wants to say hello. I’d better go and have a shower. We’re off to the south coast for a few days for him to do some surfing, but I'll make sure we’ll be back on Saturday.”

  “No worries. Hey,” he quickly said, “I love you, Twinkles.”

  “Love you, too,” she said contentedly.

  Hollie handed the phone to Davo, grabbed her towel as well as her clothes, and then hopped into the shower feeling much better and ready to embrace the next week with a bit more energy. She heard her friend talking on the phone about his mail and the weather—typical!—and without taking care and a big thud, she turned around and bumped her head at the shower corner.

  “Ouch…far out…” Hollie placed her hand on her forehead and noticed she was bleeding. “Davooooo!”

  He quickly rushed into the bathroom with the phone still in his hand. “She’s okay, mate, just bumped her head. Will catch up with you soon,” he said, hung up and…just stared.

  “For goodness sake, Davo, either get out or give me the towel.”

  Still not moving an inch for a second or two, which she assumed was due to the fact that he had rushed into the bathroom and found her naked, he finally grabbed the towel and threw it over before turning around.

  “Are you okay?” he asked, his voice indicating his amusement. “I take it you found the infamous awkward corner.”

  “Do I seem okay to you?” Hollie awkwardly wrapped the towel around herself. “I’m bleeding.”

  “You didn’t listen, did you? Linda did warn us.” The beginning of a smile tipped the corners of his mouth. “Let me check the damage.”

  Turning towards the mirror, she examined the cut. “It seems to me you just did,” she said, the pain obvious in her voice. “Keep your eyes up high, though.”

  Davo slowly turned around and stepped closer. “Uhh. Nice little cut there.” He moved his arm around her waist and slowly guided her out of the bathroom and into their room, where she sat down on the bed. “I'll just go downstairs and get some ice.”

  “And some water, please. I think I’m going to faint.”

  Davo stared at her, and seeing his concern, she assumed he was noticing how the blood drained from her face. “Crap.”

  At this moment, Linda came upstairs. “Lads, I just wanted to know what time—” She noticed Hollie. “What happened?”

  “The shower corner,” Davo said with a little grin.

  “You’d better stay with her. She doesn’t appear to be all that well. I’ll get some ice and a drink.” And with that Linda rushed downstairs.

  Davo gazed at Hollie but turned his head away almost immediately as his mouth twitched into an amused smile. “Sugar, your towel is slipping.”

  Hollie cursed herself for blushing. “Can you grab me the shirt over there, please?”

  He reached over to the little shelf, took the shirt, and handed it to her.

  With her shoulders slouched, she met his gaze. “Sorry, Davo, I might need some help here.”

  Taking a deep breath, he replied hesitantly, “Ohhh-kaay.”

  “For heaven’s sake, Davo, you sound like you’ve never seen it before.”

  He scratched his head. “I know, but that’s when I took part in the undressing. So, let’s get this on you.”

  As he awkwardly tried to help Hollie put on the shirt without staring at the obvious, Linda came back into the room.

  “Sorry, Hollie, but I’ve got an appointment this morning and I do have to go. Here are some adhesive bandages and a cup of tea with a bit of sugar to get your blood circulation going again. I’m sure you’re in good hands with David.”

  “Thank you so much, Linda,” Hollie said as she tried to lift her head. “I’m sorry for the hassle.”

  “Are you two still planning to head off to the coast?”

  Hollie took a sip of the tea. “I’m sure I’ll be all right. A few pain relievers and I’ll be fine.”

  “Good, then. You have a good time, and I’ll see you Saturday again. You take good care of that girl, David.”

  “Will do, Linda,” he replied.

  “See you, Linda, and thanks for your help.”

  Carefully, Davo tended to Hollie’s wound.

  “Ouch!” She shoved his hand away instinctively.

  He backed off. “Sorry.”

  As he touched her face, she suddenly remembered how he had seen her naked in the bathroom, and she blushed again. Goosebumps went down her spine at the realisation of the kind of effect his warm and gentle hands had on her.

  “How’s that?” he asked quietly, a near whisper into her ear.

  Hollie turned towards him and was able to feel his breath on her face. Their lips were nearly touching, and for the first time she noticed Davo’s deep blue eyes. She tried to say thanks but her voice left her. Aware of Davo’s hand moving up to cup her face, she closed her eyes momentarily. With his thumbs caressing her cheeks, he lifted her face even closer to his. They gazed into each other’s eyes for what seemed an eternity until she reluctantly pulled away.

  “I’d better send a text to Jeremy to let him know I’m okay,” she whispered.

  ****

  Hollie tried to get up to find her mobile, but her blood pressure was still a bit iffy, so she fell back into Davo’s arms. He moved his face to hers, touching her lips in a gentle kiss. Hollie’s mind went into overdrive, and the rush through her body confused her. Eventually, though, she gently pushed him away.

  She sighed, and she said almost in a whisper, “Davo, please don’t.”

  He moved away from her, yet still close enough for Hollie to feel his breathing and his hand cupping her chin. “Why?”

  “You’re my good friend. I’ve known you so long. You’re more like a brother than anything else.”

  A muscle quivered at his jaw. “Brother?”

  Hollie moved back and widened the gap between them. She pressed her lips together.

  “You mean I’m not as good-looking as Jez,” he said with his j
aw clenched and his eyes slightly narrowed.

  “That is not true and you know it.” Hollie got up, still a bit wobbly, but made her way over to the shelf with her clothes. “That was a cheap shot.”

  Rubbing his hands over his face, he took a deep breath. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. He stood and walked over to her. “I really am.”

  “Davo, I reckon it’s better you head off on your own, and we have a bit of a break from each other.”

  “Hey, I’m—”

  “Let’s just forget the last twenty minutes and move on. You’re one of my best friends, and I don’t want to lose you as such. I love Jeremy, I do, and I have too many hassles in my life right now. I don’t want to complicate it any further.”

  He placed his hands on her arms. “Have you, for a moment, wondered why I am here and not Jez if he’s such a great guy?”

  She frowned, and tears choked her voice. “You’re so out of line here. It’s not fair. I think it’s better you go. I just need some time on my own. I might follow you a bit later on.”

  And with that, she took her clothes and went back to the bathroom.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  A few weeks after Sam’s disastrous birthday dinner, she’d packed her bags and was about to leave to visit her parents. She had rung the office early in the morning and left a message she was taking a day off.

  Quite to Padraic’s disapproval. He was furious. “For heaven’s sake, don’t be ridiculous, Sam. You’re overreacting.”

  “Am I?” She took deep breaths in an attempt to restrain her anger. Was she overreacting? Or irrational? Letting out a long breath, she counted to ten before trying to reason. “I’ll be back on Sunday night, Padraic. I just need a bit of Mum’s cooking and some pampering. That’s all.”

  He stood in front of her and held on to her shoulders. “How about I come with you?”

  With disbelief, she stared at him. “You don’t like it at Mum and Dad’s.”

  Lifting a shoulder in a shrug, he hesitated. “I know, but I don’t want…I just want…”

  She made an attempt to get into the car, but Padraic held her back. “Not sure what you want, but I’m afraid you won’t get it from me this weekend.”

  “It’s not that I want.” He sighed. “I’m sorry about what happened. I love you. I don’t want to lose you. I promise I’ll do something about it.”

  Her eyes filled with tears. “This is not love. This is selfishness. You love me for all the right reasons for you, but they’re all the wrong reasons for me.”

  She moved his hand off her arm. “I’ll see you Sunday night.” With that, she slid behind the steering wheel, started the car, and drove off—wiping the tears with her hand.

  She saw him in the rearview mirror staring after her. His gaze fell down to the ground as he shook his head. What was she going to do?

  The weather was nice. It had been unseasonably good the previous few weeks. Sam was able to relax during her drive down to her parents’ house and with the help of some of her favourite music, she arrived at her mum and dad’s in no time.

  Her mother came out to greet her. “Hello, love.”

  Sam hugged her mother tightly.

  “Is everything all right?”

  She put on a fake smile, but avoided her mother’s eyes.

  “Darling?” Joyce asked with concern.

  She pretended she didn’t hear her mother and got her bag out of the boot.

  As Joyce placed her hand on her back, familiar and comfortable warmth rushed through her. Home!

  “How about we go inside and I make us a cup of tea?”

  “I think I’d like that,” Sam said quietly, on the verge of crying.

  Looping her arm through her daughter’s, Joyce guided her inside, where she went straight to the guest room. “I just have to use the bathroom. I’ll be with you in a sec.”

  ****

  The tea tasted good, but Sam noticed her mother’s stare at her hands holding on tightly to the cup. It wasn’t long before her mother placed her hand on Sam’s arm and with her warm voice she asked again, “Love, why don’t you tell me what’s bothering you?” Tears rolled down Sam’s cheeks. “It’s Padraic.” She started quietly.

  Joyce moved closer and placed her arm around her daughter’s shoulders. Sam just sat there enjoying the moment, as well as the company, but not saying anything. She didn’t want to talk. Saying it out loud or talking about it would make it true, and she didn’t want it to be true. Quite the opposite, it was supposed to go away. Magically. But she knew deep inside she was just hiding from it, and sooner or later, she needed to face it. Yet not today.

  “I’ll be fine, Mum. Sorry to worry you. I think I just need some time to think about what I want in life.”

  Joyce stroked Sam’s face. “Let me know when you’re ready to talk. I’ll be here.”

  “Thanks, Mum.” Sam smiled, despite the overwhelming sadness inside.

  “Love, marriages aren’t easy. Quite the opposite. They’re challenging most of the time and whatever you’re going through, I’m sure you’re not the only one.”

  Sam focused on her cup of tea again. “I know,” she whispered, though she wasn’t convinced.

  “It’s Friday. Auntie Aileen always has her lunch down at the pier on Fridays. How about you wander over there and join her?”

  That brought a smile to Sam’s face. “Are you sure?”

  “Of course I am. If anybody can help, it’s Aileen.”

  ****

  Sam found a parking spot and strolled over to the Seaview Café. She saw her auntie straightaway.

  “Sam! What a surprise.” Auntie Aileen stood and gave her a hug. “What brings you here?”

  “I’m staying with Mum and Dad for the weekend, and Mum said you’re having lunch here.”

  Auntie Aileen caressed Sam’s head and moved the tiny stubborn hair out of her face. “Is all okay?”

  She exhaled in frustration. “Why is everybody asking me this?”

  Aileen took her hands. “Because it’s written in your eyes, darling.”

  “Must be a misprint. I’m just spending some time with Mum and Dad.”

  “Yes, I know, but you came here straightaway.”

  Sam still held on to her auntie’s hands. “The idea of having lunch with my favourite auntie was too enticing.”

  “And your only aunt,” Aileen said with a pretended pout. “Love, I’ve got to go. Out of all days, I have an appointment with the doctor today. You will come for dinner, though, won’t you?”

  “I promise I will.”

  Aileen handed her the menu. “Have some ice cream. It’s the best around.”

  Sam shook her head. “I’d better go back to Mum.”

  Aileen placed her hand on Sam’s cheek again. “So sorry, love.”

  “Not to worry, Auntie Aileen. You didn’t know.”

  After Aileen had paid, Sam followed her outside and gave her a hug before Aileen got into the car. Then she heard someone calling her name, and she turned around.

  “Sam. How are you?”

  She turned around and almost bumped right into the man in front of her, slightly confused.

  “Tony. We met at Claire’s New Year’s Eve party.”

  “Of course,” she said. “I’m so sorry, Tony. How are you?”

  Sam held out her hand, which he took, pulling her closer and placing a kiss on her cheek.

  “Doing well. How are you?”

  Oh much better now! “Good, thanks.”

  “What brings you down here?” he asked.

  “Mum and Dad live here. I’m down for the weekend.”

  Tony pointed at the café. “Would you care for some lunch?”

  Sam saw her auntie driving around the corner, and then checked her time. “Yes, I’d love to.”

  He led her back into the café, and they sat at a table near the window. The conversation continued from where they had been interrupted on New Year's Eve. Sam enjoyed Tony’s attention and loved the wa
y he was flirting with her again. Dublin seemed far away at that moment. His attire was different from New Year's Eve, but in Sam’s eyes he seemed as attractive in his silky grey suit with the purple tie. His hair was neatly gelled and combed back. She couldn’t take her eyes off him.

  He explained that he was at the coast for a seminar, which had ended earlier that day, but he still had another day to go.

  “Where’s your husband?” Tony asked as he took a sip of his wine.

  Flicking through the menu nervously, she replied nonchalantly, “Back in Dublin. Too busy.”

  His mouth curved into a grin. “Hmm…some people just don’t know how lucky they are, do they?”

  Sam studied him for a moment, not sure how to take the last comment. But Tony appeared to have noticed and quickly changed the topic.

  “Hey, by the way, do you know this guy over there?”

  She followed his nod to a man outside on the streets. “Who?”

  “The big lad.”

  Sam shook her head. “No idea, why?”

  With a frown, he replied, “Not sure. He keeps staring at you. How about a change of location?”

  “I’d love to, but I’d better get back home. Yes, I know it sounds odd, but Mum and Dad were so excited I came down here. I don’t want to hurt their feelings, especially as I’m having dinner with my auntie tonight.”

  “So I don’t even have to bother to ask you out for dinner?”

  Sam noticed his cheeky smile and chuckled. “Sorry.”

  Tony turned away from her. “That lad over there is creepy. Sure you don’t know him?”

  “Honestly, no. Anyway, I’d better get going. Thanks for lunch.”

  He took her hand. “How about dinner tomorrow?”

  A smile tugged at her lips. “How about you give me your number, and I let you know?”

  “If that’s all I get, I’ll take it.” Tony handed her one of his business cards. ”I look forward to hearing from you,” he said with a smile.