Page 157 of Even Ground
I clear my throat. “Wait. Is this chatty Delaney, or are we rehashing the past for a reason?”
She chuckles. “I’m just proving that I can go on a trip through memory lane just like you can when you’re trying to make a point.”
Waving my free hand in the air in frustration, I purse my lips. She’s right. It’s just taken until now to realise how annoying it must be when I do it.
“Okay.”
“My point is that I’m here for you just as you were there for me. I’m making money of my own from my food videos now, and maybe we can go into business together again.”
My heart leaps. Delaney’s wealthy now, but her heart is still solidly in place. It’s not the first time she’s made an offer, but maybe …
“I don’t know if I can accept anything like that.”
“You also have Reece behind you. And Josh knows how much I miss you. If you’re not going to finish the year, come here.”
I swallow hard. A lump the size of a golf ball appears to have formed in my throat. It’s not the first time Delaney’s suggested such a thing, but it’s the most tempting given all I have waiting for me in the US.
“Delaney, I …”
“Take a chance, Pania. We’ll be here for you no matter what. And I hate interviews, but I’ll gladly do whatever I can to get your name out there.”
“You … You would do that for me?”
She laughs softly. “Do you even have to ask? I’ll do anything for my sister.”
I lick my lips just to give them some moisture. “I’d have to talk to Mum about it.”
“Of course you would. You know you can go home any time to see her too. It’s not like we’d keep you trapped here.”
I laugh. “Reece might.”
“Reece loves your mother too. I think he’d be on that plane with you.” She pauses. “It’s your decision, but I think it’s time. Let’s make this an adventure together.”
My eyes fill with tears. I always thought it would be hard to beat the relationship I have with Delaney. She’s right. We are like siblings, and through our whole lives we’ve mostly done everything together.
These past two years without her being a constant in my life have been the toughest. Add Reece to the mix, and it’s even harder to ignore.
“We should surprise Reece. He did it to you.”
I laugh. “He’ll freak out.”
“That’s the whole point. He’s been moping around since you left.” Delaney lets out a contented sigh. “I’d love to see that reunion.”
“Pervert.”
“Always. Let’s do this. Tell me what you need, and let’s make this happen.”
“You’re the best. I hope you know that.”
Delaney laughs. “You can tell me that when you get here. We’ve got some time to work through the paperwork and get you on that plane. I’m so excited.”
38
Pania
I’m not sure I’ve ever been so nervous. It’s such a bizarre feeling, but I think it’s only right that I feel this way considering I’ve just turned my whole life upside down to travel across the world to try something new.
The more I think about it, though, the more I think I understand how Reece must have felt when he threw caution to the wind and came to me. He didn’t know if I’d reject him—at least I know he’ll want me there.