Chapter 16

Neal was driving Graham to his mother in-laws house. He had repeatedly told Graham that it was a bad idea but Graham insisted they go.

"Graham, listen to me and listen carefully. Patty needs some time, you said things to her that cut her deep. You can't just visit her guns blazing after walking out on her just yesterday!"

Graham knew that Neal was right but he wanted to try and repair things before Patty had more time to think things through.

"I've got to try Neal, I never slept a wink last night. I've fucked up big-time here and it wasn't supposed to happen like this. I miss my daughters and I miss my wife. What I done was sheer childish stupidity, I realise that now"

Neal shook his head in dismay, he kept his eyes on the road ahead of them. Without looking at his brother he passed him his cellphone.

"I'm pulling over. Whatever you have to say to Patty, you can say on the phone. I'm not driving all that way to see you start world war Three... Call her.."

Graham looked at his younger brother and took the phone. He took a few deep breaths, cleared his throat and dialled Pattys number.

"Patty it's Graham, please don't hang up. Just listen.."

Neal switched off his engine and turned towards Graham. This will be interesting, he thought.

As he was talking into the phone, Graham lay his head back on the seat and closed his eyes.

"I don't know how I can make things right with you, I really don't. What I do want you to know is that I didn't mean what I said yesterday. I get frustrated easily and this whole restaurant business has completely taken over what was truly important.

I don't know why I kissed Hallie, I knew what I was risking as soon as I kissed her Patty, but like a fool I acted on impulse and not my brain.

I don't want to lose you Patty, I don't want to lose the girls or the life we have built. I know you won't come back today but I really want us to talk things through, maybe sit and have a coffee and really talk. Can you do that?"

Neal watched his brother bare his soul. He patted his arm reassuringly as he saw Graham's eyes mist up, full of tears.

"I know I've lost your trust sweetheart, but you have to believe me when I say that I do love you, I've always loved you and I've been a fool"

He wiped his eyes and and listened to what Patty had to say."Ok, I'll meet you tomorrow at Starbucks in Bridge Street 3pm"

He put down his phone and smiled weakly at Neal.

"She's agreed to meet me tomorrow for coffee"

Neal thought that Graham sounded a little too hopeful but remained positive for his brother.

"It's a start Graham..It's a start"

Patty was sitting in her mother's hallway. She looked out towards the backyard and could clearly see Danielle helping her mother with the gardening.

Danielle had done nothing but demand to see her father since they arrived here last night.

Patty looked at her hands and started turning her wedding band around on her finger. She had agreed to meet Graham but wasn't sure if she was doing the right thing.

She thought back to Camille's words on how she shouldn't let him crawl back. She loved Graham so much but how could she trust a man who could betray her like that?

Her mind raced with thoughts on whether Graham had been having an affair since he started those damn cookery classes. She mentally hit herself knowing that it was she who encouraged him to go , he never would have met that woman had she not signed him up to take those classes.

Talking aloud she scolded herself " Calm yourself down Patty. Take each day as it comes"

Jordan hadn't seen Angela all day and he missed her terribly. He needed to see her every-day and hated being away from her for such long periods.

As the bell signalled the end of another school day, he opened his locker. As the door opened a letter fluttered to the floor. He stooped to pick it up , rubbed his eyes and then read it.

Jordan,

I'm sorry I haven't been able to see you today. I've been so busy catching up with stuff for the play that I really haven't had time. I miss you so bad it hurts. I miss the way you hold me and the way you look at me with those beautiful blue eyes of yours. God, work sucks! I should have been with you.

Good luck with your practise tonight, I know you and the guys will do well. I'll see you tomorrow night in time for your big performance. I love you.

Yours always

Angela.xxxx

Jordan read the letter at least a dozen times. He looked around to make sure that nobody could see him and then he sniffed the letter. It smelt of her.

He neatly folded it up and placed it in his inside pocket of his jacket.

Ben saw Jordan heading for the school exit. He ran to catch up with him.

"Catalano! Wait up.." He shouted

Jordan stopped and waited for his friend to catch up to him.

"Hey man, what's up?"

Ben was out of breath, he wasn't used to running as sitting on his ass all day was more his style.

"Man , I need a ride to practise tonight. Is that cool?"

Jordan shrugged and nodded. He was used to giving his friends rides so it was no big deal.

"Sure, I'll take you to yours if you want. Angela's busy and I'm at a loose end"

Ben slapped his hand on Jordan's back.

"Catalano you the man baby, I knew there was a reason why I hung out with you" he grinned at Jordan.

Jordan laughed. "Yea , just call me Catalano cabs!"

They walked out of the school and got in Jordan's car.