To fix a broken heart.
Thanks for reviewing this story. I'm really pleased you are still enjoying it.
Previously.
The couple manage to get away for the weekend.
Joey finds a surprise visitor at the door.
Chapter 25.
"What are you doing here?" Joey asked shocked as she answered the door. "I thought I would come and see my sister. You could look pleased to see me." Brett was stood on the doorstep smiling at his sister. "I thought you decided you didn't have a sister any more because you can't accept me being gay. So if you're here to cause trouble then you can just go away now. I don't need you; I have a family here that love me for who I am." "Who? the copper and her daughter?" Brett laughed bitterly. "She is the reason we don't talk" "No Brett, you are the reason we don't talk anymore. I think you should go."
"Babe is everything alright?" Charlie asked coming behind her girlfriend and holding her around the waist, giving her support. "What the hell are you doing here?" "Look I haven't come to cause trouble, I just want to try to build a relationship with my sister, come on Jo, and we are all each other really have." Brett said pleadingly. "Look I am staying in the motel for a week, give me a call, Jo I can't promise to ever be best friends with her." He said nodding towards Charlie. "But if it's the only way to get my little sister back I will try." "Brett you're wrong, you're not all we have, we have mum as well." Joey spoke hesitantly. "What do you know about her?" Brett asked shaking his head. "She got in touch a few months ago, we have built a relationship. Why didn't you tell me she wasn't dead?" "Joey she left us, she didn't give a damn about either of us, she just wanted what was best for herself." "She left because dad was beating her, she wanted to take us with her but he wouldn't let her. She tried to keep in touch with letters and presents, she even spoke to you, why didn't you talk to her and tell me? I needed her growing up but you stopped us. Why?" "She would of turned you against dad and I, he was the one that brought us up not her." Brett replied sadly. "Brett I will never forgive you for not telling me, leaving me to suffer the beatings, from dad then you. Just go. You made yourself clear how you felt about my lifestyle, so just go." With that she turned and walked into the house leaving Charlie and Brett stood on the doorstep. "Look Charlie, I know you probably don't believe a thing I say, but I am sorry I caused you two so much trouble. I want to have a relationship with my sister. I'm getting married next year and we want her at the wedding, if Joey loves you and has chosen to spend her life with you I will try and accept it. My fiancée Claire, has just lost her sister, she has made me see, how important family really is. Please tell Joey I am really sorry." He then turned and walked away. Charlie watched him leave, before closing the door and heading over to where Joey was sat in tears on the couch.
"What is he doing here? Why now? Everything's good with my life right now, why does he have to come back." She buried her face in Charlie's shoulder. "Jo baby, he said his fiancé has just lost her sister, it has made them realise how important family is, he wants to build a relationship with you, he wants to apologise. Look I love you and I am on you're side in this, just think about it, you gave you're mum a chance." She spoke tenderly whilst stroking her back comfortingly. "Charlie have you forgotten he was instrumental in our breakup?" "Jo I know exactly what he did, but I can't blame him for everything; I was the one that stupidly got drunk and slept with Hugo. Jo baby, all I'm saying is I want you to think things through, don't rush into anything, if you still want nothing to do with him, or if you give him a chance to prove himself to you, it's your decision and I will support you 100%" Joey looked at Charlie, kissed her quickly on the lips then wiped her eyes, "Come on we have stopped everyone from eating for long enough, Leah has spent a lot of time cooking, and I'm starving." They made their way to the table and the group of friends who stood and pulled her into a hug. The rest of the evening went well, the food was fantastic and they had a really fun evening with friends.
The next few days passed pleasantly, although they were both busy at work they still found time for each other. Although Charlie never brought Brett's name up in front of Joey in case it upset her, Charlie was concerned she may regret not giving him a chance to explain himself. She decided to bring up the subject if she thought there was an appropriate time. That time came at lunch time whilst they were sat eating lunch on the deck of the bucktoneer. Joey was lay with her head in Charlie's lap. She stroked Joeys head lightly "babe I know I said I would stay out of your decision with regards to Brett, but I'm concerned. He will be leaving soon and I'm worried you will regret not talking to him at least once, while he's here. Don't you want some answers?" "Charlie please, don't ruin this by talking about him. He doesn't matter, he is nothing to me, and I have all the family I need with mum, you and Ruby. I don't want to even think about what he could say to make up for all the hurt he has caused. We lost two years together because of him." Joey said unhappily before getting up and beginning to pack up the remnants of their lunch. "Joey please I'm sorry the last thing I wanted to do was upset you. If you have made up your mind, that's fine. I just don't want too be the reason you can't have a relationship with your brother. But if you do want to speak to him I will come with you, you don't have to do anything on your own." "Thank you, I know you're only saying it because you care, I just don't know if I can have anything to do with someone that can't accept who I really am." Joey sat down heavily. "For two years I have accepted I will never have a relationship with my brother, now I don't know what I want." She admitted truthfully. "Don't you think if you're slightly un-sure about it, you owe it too yourself to try. I love you Jo and all I want is what's best for you, do you want me to talk to him for you?" "No it's alright I will do it, you're right, I gave mum and you another chance and that's worked out really well. But will you come with me?" She asked looking Charlie straight in the eye. "Every step of the way babe, if you talk to him and nothing comes of it, at least you know you tried. I just don't want you to regret anything." Charlie said. With that Joey pulled out her phone and dialled the one number she thought she would never dial again. They arranged to meet for lunch in the diner the next day. Joey felt safer being in public in case he tried anything. Charlie took her in her arms telling her she was proud of her, and she would be with her.
That evening they had decided to go to the house and do a little work, they both needed to wind down after spending the rest of the day thinking about tomorrow with Brett. The kitchen and bathroom were finished completely; they had started painting the lounge the last time they came, without even discussing it they both picked up the paint and brushes, heading into the lounge. They worked for a couple of hours, before stopping and taking a look at their handy work. The lounge now had the second coat of paint on the walls, the ceiling was done and the woodwork had been stained, all that was left to do in there was decide what flooring they would like. They both sat in the middle of the floor leaning against each other, "Wow, it really is looking great." Joey said happily. "It is going to be perfect, our dream house." Charlie agreed happily. "Just the landing, stairs and hall, then the three bedrooms, I think we are over half way," Joey said happily. "Jo I was thinking, I know we discussed carpet in here but the floor boards might look really nice if we sanded and varnished them, what do you think?" I think that's a great idea, you know I love wood." Joey replied. "Aden mentioned starting the veranda this weekend, he has taken a look and will replace it all, it may take more time and money but it will be worth it in the end." Joey said excitedly, all she wanted was for them to move in to their new house, and sit on a swing chair, on the veranda together on a nice warm evening.
The next day Joey woke to the alarm clock, she had had a restless nights sleep, wondering if she was doing the right thing, by meeting Brett. She had spoken to her mum on the phone the night before who agreed with Charlie, it would be better to talk to him and find out what he wanted, so that she would have no regrets. She was just getting out of bed ready to jump in the shower, when a hand grabbed her holding her still, "Where do you think you're sneaking off too?" A husky voice asked from under the covers. "I was going to grab the first shower, then make us both a nice cup of coffee." "Bad idea, you have to come here and give me a kiss good morning." Charlie replied coming out from under the covers, they began kissing which soon became passionate leaving them both wanting more. Joey soon forgot about going for a shower and positioned herself on top of a very willing and turned on Charlie. Kissing as much exposed flesh as she could manage. Charlie groaned loudly as Joey found both breasts with her mouth on one and her finger and thumb teasing the other. She started moving slowly so that she was grinding her groin into Charlie's, causing Charlie to gasp at the pleasure. Soon the need from both women took over, Joey quickly slid down Charlie's body using her lips to surround her throbbing clit whilst slowly slipping two fingers deep inside. Charlie came loudly almost immediately crying Joey's name over and over again.
After they both rushed round getting ready for work, they said a rushed good morning to Ruby, Leah and VJ as they headed out the door, not having time to drink a coffee or eat breakfast. Charlie pulled up at the wharf and turned to kiss Joey. "I am doing the right thing aren't i?" She asked nervously biting her lower lip. "Yes Jo I honestly think you are, I promise I will be with you every step of the way. I will meet you here and we can go to the diner together, so that you don't have to spend anytime on your own with him. It will be ok; I won't let anything bad happen to you." With that they both smiled, lent forward to share a kiss before Joey opened the car door and jumped out, leaving Charlie to drive on to the station.
It was 11:50, Charlie switched off her computer then picked up her bag, telling the constable on the desk she would be out for lunch but to contact her on her mobile if there was an emergency. She then climbed into the car and drove to the wharf, to collect her girlfriend. She knew this was hard for Jo and just hoped her instincts were right about Brett wanting to change. Joey was sat on the fence waiting for Charlie. As soon as she spotted the car she jumped in kissing her on the lips. "God I have missed you." She spoke after the kiss. "You know the house is empty we could go back and I could spend time showing you how much I love you." She said whilst kissing Charlie's neck. "Babe that is a fantastic idea, and I cannot believe I am turning you down, but I think we should head to the diner." Charlie said regrettably. "OK if we must." Joey replied, making Charlie laugh as she sat sulking like a child.
As they walked in the diner they both spotted Brett sat at a table with a dark head women holding a small child in her arms. Brett stood as soon as he spotted them, wiping his hands nervously down his trouser leg, he looked smart in trousers and a shirt, his hair was cut short and he was clean shaven, which Joey had rarely seen. When they lived together he was a slob, never washing or shaving, wearing old and often dirty clothes for days. Maybe he had changed. As they approached the table it was apparent Brett was just as nervous as Joey. "Joey, Charlie thank you so much for agreeing to meet me, I know I don't deserve it, but I really want you to see how much I have changed and want you back in my life. Let me introduce you to Tammy, my Fiancé, and our beautiful daughter Abi." He said nervously. "Please take a seat; can I get you a drink?" He asked the couple who had done as he asked sitting down greeting the women and child warmly. "Yes thank you Brett we would both love a coffee." Joey replied looking at her girlfriend for confirmation. Once they received their drinks and ordered their food, Brett began talking about how much of a mess he had been when he left the bay, he said he hated himself for the way he firstly let their father beat Joey, then secondly for the way he had also beat her. He also said he had deep regrets about choosing a lying scum bag, over his own sister with regards to the rape. He actually broke down in tears when he spoke about what his so called best friend had done to her. "Joey it has taken me along time to get the help I needed, I had help with my drinking and anger, then I met Tammy, she has totally changed me for the better. She would also not stand for the way I behaved back then. Jo I can never make up for all the hurt I have caused you, but if you're willing to give it a try, maybe I can at least stop you from hating me." He said honestly. "Look Brett, you really hurt me, not just physically but emotionally as well. You turned against me when I needed you most. I can see you have changed, and I pray you never treat Tammy or Ali the way you treated me. As far as building a relationship with you that depends if you are ready to admit I am gay, I am in love with Charlie, we are even planning to get married. If you can't accept that then we are nothing to each other." "Joey Tammy has made me realise love is love no matter who or what you fall for. I know you won't believe me and I understand that but please give me one chance to prove it. Charlie I am so sorry about the way I treated you and trying to get you sacked from you're job. I should thank you for being there for Joey when I wasn't." they talked a while longer before Charlie and Joey announced they had to get back to work. They arranged for Joey to ring Brett when she had thought things through.
Charlie drove Joey back to work; they sat in the car for a few minutes talking about everything Brett had said. "What do you think? Do you think he has changed?" Charlie asked Joey. "I don't know, I think so. For the sake of Tammy and Abi I really hope so. He certainly looked happier." They sat talking a few more minutes before they were interrupted by Charlie's phone. She was needed back at the station, so she kissed Joey quickly promising to talk about everything later after work.
That weekend, Aden and Bianca, started to rip out the old veranda. Bianca informed them she was giving Aden instructions, she had the ideas while he had the brawn. Charlie and Joey made a start on the landing, stairs and hall. Ruby had come to help, which was rare. She decided manual work was not for her and using the excuse, she didn't want to ruin anything, had managed to get out of the work. Today how ever she had decided she would decorate her room. At 12:30 there was a knock on the door, Leah and Miles appeared offering their services, they also brought food, so they all stopped for a lunch break.
Once lunch was over they all decided to spend another couple of hours on the house, Aden had almost got rid of all the old rotten wood, and decided to make a start on the new. Romeo had said he would help on Sunday if Aden wanted it. Ruby continued with her room although she had more paint on her than could possibly be on the walls. Joey and Charlie had completed the ceilings on the landing, stairs and hall and had painted the walls of the hall; they were now both starting the stairway. Miles and Leah offered to sort their bedroom, Joey had put all the colours in the right rooms with instructions how they wanted the colours. Charlie often teased Joey about her need to be organised, Joey always had the same reply, if a job was worth doing, it was worth doing properly, and it needed proper organisation. Charlie always agreed and said she loved joey's obsessiveness.
By the time they all left the house, Joey and Charlie couldn't thank them enough. Ruby had finished her room apart from the woodwork which she decided Joey and her mum were better at painting than she was; besides she had arranged to meet her friends at the beach on Sunday. Leah and Miles had decided the bedroom was going to be a surprise for the couple so they were not allowed to enter until it was finished. Charlie teased them that the only reason they were not allowed in was because they hadn't done any work, due to getting distracted with each other. Much to their delight Leah and Miles began to blush. They all agreed to go back the next day to help them again. Joey couldn't believe how lucky she was to have so many people that care.
The next day everyone worked hard again, and the only room's that were still untouched were the spare rooms. Aden joked he would choose the colours for one of them, as it would be his room, although he was joking with them, both Charlie and Joey had made it clear the room was his if he wanted it.
Aden and Romeo worked hard and had managed to build half of the veranda, it was looking really nice. Joey had to pinch herself that she wasn't in some kind of dream. She often questioned what she had done to deserve all this good fortune. She was in a strong relationship with the best woman in the whole world; she was a partner in a very successful business that she loved. She owned her own boat; she had started to build bridges with both her mother and brother. She owned a house with her fiancé. And she had some great friends that would do anything to help anyone. Life couldn't get any better she decided to herself.
The weekend flew past and it was soon Monday. Charlie had arranged to pick up lunch and meet Joey at the wharf. Joey was just getting cushions out on the deck for them to sit on when she received a phone call from Charlie. "Babe I'm really sorry, something has come up and I can't make lunch. I'm really sorry; I was really looking to a nice quiet lunch, just us." She sounded genuinely disappointed. Joey sighed but said she didn't mind, it couldn't be helped. "Charlie seriously don't worry, we both know sometimes something at work crops up and we can't see each other for lunch, I will see you at home later." "What will you do for lunch now?" Charlie asked. "I have work to do here, to be honest I'm not hungry, I was more bothered about spending time with you. If I work through I may be able to finish earlier." So they said their goodbyes.
Joey worked for half an hour before deciding she would take a break after all, and headed to the diner. As she walked along the beach, she was just about to head towards the diner when she caught sight of Charlie sat near the beach drinking coffee with a blonde women, Joey had never seen before. Joey was just about to turn away and continue onto the diner when something made her glance over again. To her shock she found the blonde women in Charlie's arms. It looked like Charlie was comforting her. Joey's heart sank. She had cancelled their lunch date to spend time with another woman, surely it wasn't anything bad. Maybe it was work related, but Joey couldn't hide the feelings taking over. Charlie had cheated once is she cheating again? Joey turned and ran back to the wharf, she worked hard all thoughts of lunch gone the moment she had seen Charlie with her arms around another women. She was sat in the office that afternoon trying to do the paper work that had been left for a few days.
Joey couldn't concentrate, she couldn't get rid of the feeling Charlie was up to something. She pulled out her phone and decided she needed to talk to Charlie. "Hey babe, am I interrupting anything?" She asked friendly when Charlie answered. "No the only thing you're interrupting is me and George having a coffee. I am having a break from all the paper work I have been doing today. What's up babe?" she asked. "Oh nothing I needed a distraction from some paper work and thought seen as I didn't get to see you for lunch I would give you a quick call. So have you been in the office all day?" She asked casually. "Yes worst luck, you know how I hate doing paper work but I couldn't see over my desk, I actually have just eaten a sandwich George brought in for me. Did you have anything?" She asked hoping Joey had gone for a lunch break after all, she knew how hard she worked and hated the thought she had worked straight through. They talked for a few more minutes before saying goodbye. As soon as she hung up Joey burst into tears. Charlie had lied to her, again, Well I'm not giving her chance to talk her way out of it this time, I'm going to pack my bag and get out of their. She ran all the way home, just as she was almost outside the house, she bumped into someone. "Sorry, I didn't see you there. Are you alright" She spoke to the person she almost knocked over. "I'm fine, but you don't look so good. Joey what's happened?" Bianca asked worriedly. She walked with Joey to the house and sat in the kitchen as Joey told her what was upsetting her. Bianca listened but couldn't believe Charlie would do that to Joey again. "Joey are you sure she's cheating? Charlie worships the ground you walk on. I just can't believe she would do anything to hurt you like that." They talked some more before Joey said she needed to pack her bags before anyone came home. Bianca left but pulled out her phone, she dialled Charlie's phone but it went straight to voice mail, she then tried the station only to be told she was out on a call. The next call she made was to Aden. She quickly explained the situation, and he said he would find Charlie.
Eventually, an hour after Aden received the call from Bianca, Aden found Charlie outside the surf club with Watson. "What the hell have you done this time? It took a lot for her to forgive you and you cheat on her again. I ought to knock you're bloody head off." Aden shouted at Charlie not caring who could hear him verbally attacking the police sergeant. "Aden what the hell are you on about?" Charlie asked shocked at Aden's attitude. Watson stepped forward and told him to calm down immediately otherwise he would be taken to the police station. Aden explained what Bianca told him on the phone. Charlie rushed off not bothering to reply to Aden or explain to a bewildered Watson. She had to get home to stop Joey from leaving.
Next time.
Will Charlie get home in time?
If she catches up with Joey will she be able to convince her she's innocent?