64

"Things are going really well with Garrett," Kate tells me excitedly. I'll admit she's been different since she's been dating him. She's a little brighter and more laidback and definitely happier. "I was wondering if you wanted to meet him. Maybe you and Izzy could come out for dinner with us if we get a sitter for Sasha?"

"Ah." I shove my hands in my pockets. "I'm not seeing Izzy at the moment. Things were getting a little … complicated, so we're taking some time out."

"I thought you two were the king and queen of complicated?" Kate says.

"Yeah, I guess that's why I'm trying to avoid it now. I'm hoping it's only temporary though, I'm really starting to miss her," I admit.

It's been almost three weeks since I saw her and we've only exchanged texts twice, which basically consisted of me asking her how she is and her replying she's fine. Truth be told, I'm beginning to feel a little uneasy about her lack of response.

I've analysed my reaction to Marie over and over and I come to the same conclusion each time; that it was a combination of her reminding me of Izzy and the novelty of not having to watch everything each other does and says with the fear of putting a foot wrong. Besides trying to figure out what the hell I was thinking, Izzy has been the only girl on my mind ever since, and I figure this is a good sign. From my point of view, at least. I have no idea how she's feeling. For all I know she may never want to set eyes on me again.

Rose had sat me down, levered all of my feelings out of me and told me in no uncertain terms that I needed to sort my shit out.

"As much as you want to force a lid on it, I think you have to sit and discuss the past with Izzy," she told me. "You haven't laid it to rest in any way and it's going to end up exploding out and creating a huge mess with too many casualties."

I know that she's right.

The more time that passes, the more regret I feel over what happened. Without me realizing, it seems Izzy had burrowed the beginnings of a new tunnel into my heart, the emptiness of which is beginning to bother me in her absence.

When Kate leaves the room, I pull my phone out and send Izzy a text.

Can we talk?

I'm out of town for a few days.

Her reply throws me. I want to know the who, what, when, where and why about that single sentence. I manage to stop myself from demanding answers; trying to keep the pressure of her.

When you get back then?

Can I let you know?

Sure.

I sit and tap my phone against my knee for a couple of minutes before curiosity gets the better of me.

Where are you?

I'm at SeaTac, Phil asked me to take Jimmy to visit.

On your own?

Just me & J, yes.

My heart is pounding as I hit call on my phone. It goes straight to voicemail.

"Fuck!"

I send a message.

Izzy, do not get on that plane. Remember what Phil did to you?

Nothing.

I grab my jacket and keys and yell upstairs.

"Kate! Something's come up, I've got to go."

"But we haven't eaten yet," she calls back.

"Sorry, another time? Give Sash a kiss from me when she wakes up."

~S~