Fallen Down Under (Down Under #2) (3 page)

Max

I hear shouting in the distance and instantly know that he’s home. Fear and dread wriggle at the bottom of my stomach. I cover my ears to try and drown out the noise, praying that it will stop but it’s no good. All I ever hear is him shouting, constantly from the minute he gets in until the moment that he leaves again. My mother never says anything to him when he shouts at her and when I ask, all she says is “Daddy needs to vent every now and again honey. When he gets home your daddy’s tired from working all day. He doesn’t mean to upset anyone sweetie.”

It doesn’t matter what she says or how many times she says it, I don’t like it. Not one little bit. Mummy never shouts and she cleans all day, cooks and makes sure all of our school work is done and yet she never raises her voice, not once, not even to him. It’s not nice when he shouts at my mummy.

As his voice gets louder and louder from the next room, I look towards the other side of my bedroom and see that Melissa is still fast asleep. It makes me so angry that she’s going to grow up around this. No one should have to witness stuff like this, especially not Melissa. Fortunately she’s too young to understand. At the delicate age of five, hopefully she will forget. It’s not too bad for me, because with time I will grow bigger and I’ll be able to stand up to him and stop him from hurting us ever again.

A knock sounds at my door pulling my mind out of the past. Shit. I really need to get my head together. Either that or it’s looking more likely that I’m going to have to give Don a call. I slowly lift my head up from within my hands and see Daisy patiently waiting to come in. What the hell is she doing here at the office? Shouldn’t she be at home looking after Mal? Fuck, Mal. I mentally pray that she isn’t here to tell me that he’s been taken ill again. When I look at her though, I’m relieved to see her smiling. If Mal was ill again she definitely wouldn’t be smiling.

“Hey, what are you doing here?” I ask as I pull the door open for her to come inside my office.

“I just thought I’d stop by and bring you some lunch. You look like you could do with a decent meal. Maybe you can tell me what’s been getting you so down lately?”

“I’m good, but thanks for the offer, I really appreciate it.” Do I really look so fucking bad that Daisy feels like she has to turn up and look after me? Her husband is at home, recovering from his near death encounter and yet here she is making sure that I’m okay. “How’s the old man settling in?”

“Perfectly dear, just like we expected him too. He’s much better now that he’s not cooped up in that hospital bed all day. I left him catching up with the sports while I quickly run some errands. To be honest with you, I think he’ll be glad of the peace and quiet. Apparently I’m mothering him too much.”

“Is that wise? You know how worked up he gets watching stuff like that...”

“Max dear, by all means you can go and try telling him no. ‘d love to watch his reaction.” I laugh knowing that she has a point. The stubborn streak that Mal has must be hereditary. We both use it pretty fucking well.

“Would you like a drink?” I want to get to the bottom of why she’s really here and fast. It has to be something important to pull her away from Mal’s bedside.

“Oh yes dear, that would be lovely, thank you. Tea, two for me.”

“Spill it then. Tell me why you’re really here.” I ask. It’s pointless trying to beat around the bush with her, it just makes her angry so I always have to get straight to the point with her.

Daisy eyes me intently and I begin to feel slightly uncomfortable. I suddenly regret asking that question. Now I know where this is going. I should have fucking known.

“I’m worried about you Max. Is there something wrong with that? I want to know what’s happened to you. Mal’s out of hospital and on the mend, yet you look just as frightened and fragile as the little boy that you were all those years ago, and do not try to tell me that nothing is eating away at you. I know you better than you would like to admit Maxwell.” One thing about Daisy is that I have never been able to hide shit from her, ever.

“I guess I’m still dealing with the shock of everything that happened with Mal. It was scary shit Daisy, surely you can understand that. It was like it was happening all over again.”

“Yes, but he’s home now. He’s safe and nothing bad is going to happen to him so please stop worrying. What about Jess? Where is she? I haven’t seen you two together for a while.” Bingo… and this is what she wants. There’s no way in hell that I’m discussing this with her. I knew that she’d bring it up eventually. She doesn’t miss a fucking trick. What the fuck am I supposed to say to that anyway? Admit what an absolute bell end I was, still am, by pushing her away and punishing her for something that she can’t control?

“She’s staying with Liss, that’s all I know.” That’s all I say. It’s not my place to tell Mal and Daisy that she’s going back to London. The thought of her leaving tears me up inside and fills me with rage. Its better this way, I remind myself before I lash out again.

“I think I might just stop by Melissa’s place and see how they are both getting on. Whatever it is that’s bothering you Max, don’t let it eat away at you. You’ve been down that road before, we all have and none of us want you to experience that again. Whatever it is, nip it at the bud and soon and you know you can always talk to me.”

She’s right. Fuck, she’s always right. I need to find a way to get past this. I’ve done it before so I can do it again. It looks like that call to Don is becoming more and more appealing every second of the goddamn day. As soon as Daisy has finished her tea and made her reasons for stopping by known she is soon on her way to finish her errands. Before she leaves she updates me on Mal and his latest demands, damn he’s milking this for all its worth. But he’s here and he is alive so it doesn’t matter and man, doesn’t he know it.

The office before me still remains empty. I can’t bring myself to step into Jess’ office. As silly and pussy like as it sounds, I don’t want anything to be touched. I want everything to remain as she left it. Shit, I sound like she’s fucking died. Maybe it’s for the best that she’s going back to London. At least then she will be out of my way and I won’t be able to hurt her any more than I already have. Running my hands through my hair, I let out a frustrated sigh. Why does she get to me this way? No one has ever gotten to me like this before. Jess fucking Townsend. A woman of fucking mystery.

Jess

“I’m so, so sorry about last night Jess. Please don’t think I make a habit out of bringing people back here all the time because that couldn’t be any further from the truth.” I eye Melissa over my morning coffee as she sheepishly sits before me.

“Why are you apologising to me? It’s your house Liss; you can do what the hell you like. Shag the whole of Australia for all I care, you really don’t need my permission.”

“I’m so embarrassed though. I guess I’m that used to having my own space that I just didn’t think about you coming back. I can’t bear the thought of what could have happened if you had have been Max.”

“Seriously, it’s okay. Get some coffee down you and quit apologising.” I say as I pour her a cup. “One thing I don’t get, and please tell me to butt out if needs be, but why are you hiding all of this from Max?”

“Are you kidding me?” she squeaks. “He’d kill him; actually kill him that’s why. Best friend or not, he’d chop his fucking dick off. You think you have witnessed Max being overprotective? Well you aint seen shit yet girly.”

Okay, so not exactly the response I was hoping for but I can understand her predicament. “So it’s just a bit of fun then with you two then?”

“I really wish it was It would be so much easier if we just met up for some casual sex every once in a while. Shit Jess, what can I tell you? I’ve been in love with Heath since I can remember. Hitting on your best friends sister is one thing but your openly asking for a death wish if it’s Max’s little sister. Trust me. It wasn’t easy growing up with him weighing up every guy that I spoke to.”

“That’s pretty shit, on the plus side I’m glad it’s not just me who he feels he can control.” I smile at her, while thanking my lucky stars that I never had an older brother who thought it was his place to interfere. On the other hand, it’s also pretty sweet and it proves that yes, Max does actually care about the ones who are close to him.

“That’s just it Jess, don’t you see? He’s only ever been overprotective and controlling with me.”

“Well I guess that’s because you’re his little sister and he wants to look out for you and make sure that you’re okay. There’s nothing wrong with that really. You’d be asking yourself some pretty deep questions if he didn’t bother with you. All you need to do is ask him to back off a bit if he gets too much. If you don’t tell him that it bothers you then he will never know will he?”

“Yeah, I hear what you’re saying, but what I meant was, he’s only ever acted like that towards me until you walked into his life. Everything you have just said to me now applies to you too. He really cares about you Jess. Anyone who can’t see that must be a fool, including you. He’s just too fucking stubborn to admit it.” I try to ignore her questioning look but she wins and stares me down. Bitch.

“I’m not into this let’s change the subject game. How long have you and Heath been living in sin then?” I’m a hypocrite I know but I desperately need to change the subject myself. I’m really not all that comfortable with where it seems to be heading.

“Well like I said. I’ve loved him forever. From a distance anyway. I guess I should thank you really.”

“Me?” I ask, utterly confused.

“Yes you. While Max was in England, pretty occupied with you by the sounds of things, he had Heath keeping tabs on me to make sure I was okay. Like I said, he’s pretty overprotective with me. He started to come around at first to see if I needed help with anything at first and then before I knew it he was taking me to work and then picking me back up as soon as I had finished. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t make me feel special. Shit, I didn’t even need to worry about Max breathing down my neck every five minutes either. It was pure bliss.Then a couple of nights later one thing led to another.” She smiles a wicked grin as she continues, “we’ve been pretty much inseparable ever since.”

“I like seeing you smile like that. It makes your eyes dance.” I say. She really is beautiful. No wonder Max didn’t want guys coming into her life and taking advantage of her. If she was my little sister, I think I would act the same way.

“Do you know what would make me smile even wider…?”

“Not so fast Melissa Wild. I’m sorry to have to break it to you but it looks like you’ll be sad for a quite some time.”

Today is a new day. Today is the day I get my balls back and stop moping about like a wounded puppy. So what if Max is now with Stella? I’d like to think that it’s more his loss, but I doubt he’ll be losing any sleep over it. I’m going to use everything I have to be the bigger person here. It might hurt a little. Who am I bloody kidding, of course it’s going to hurt, a lot, but Mal trusted me with this project and I aim to complete it, with or without Max by my side. One thing I have never been is a quitter and I don’t plan on changing that anytime soon. Now it’s time for me to enjoy myself and relax while I’m here. It’s not as if I will be coming back again once my work here is complete. I never used to get worked up about such small things and it’s driving me bloody crazy. With a newly acquired dress fresh out of Melissa’s wardrobe, I brush myself down and gear myself up for the day ahead, whatever it may bring.

My heart drops a little as I exit the lift on the fifteenth floor. My eyes automatically fix on the door in front of me. Images of the last time that I was stood here flicker in my mind’s eye and cause a dull ache to flicker in my chest. I take in a deep breath as I step forward. Knowing that I am alone makes it a little bit more bearable. I’m not entirely sure how I will react to Stella when I see her. As long as she doesn’t provoke me, I’m sure I can keep it professional, or at least I’ll try my best given the circumstances. It’s no surprise that the reception desk is once again empty. What the fuck does Stella do most of that day? Scrap that, I actually don’t want to think about what she’s doing – or should I say
who
she’s currently doing? After all this time I’m still yet to find out who my assistant is. Thank god it’s not the queen bitch.

As soon as I enter my office it doesn’t skip my attention that everything is exactly how I left it. As I step towards my desk I notice that my diary is still wide open where I left it. Jen and George are looking up at me as if nothing has changed, but oh how it fucking has. Since I was here last, I have had my heart ripped out and stomped over, my boss having a much too close a brush with death and a horrific bout of homesickness that encased me so much so that I am amazed that I could even breathe. I guess they say that these things are sent to try us.

Once I have settled in and my coffee is where it should be, in my hands ready to fuel me for the day, I start the joyous task of tackling my emails. No sooner have I opened them, Jen’s beautiful face pops up on my screen. Normally I wouldn’t answer her calls at work but seeing as no one is around I accept the video call. Who doesn’t enjoy being a rebel every once in a while? Plus, familiar faces and surroundings always make me feel better too.

“Hey, hey, hey.” She chirps down the screen at me. I laugh, tears of happiness and sadness filling my eyes as they try to make a break for freedom. I miss her so bloody much.

“Hey yourself.” It feels so good to hear her voice. Looking at her surroundings it seems that she is at home. “What’s new?”

“Nothing much princess. Just thought I’d check in on you and see how you are doing. What’s happening with you?” I sigh a little and I know she doesn’t miss it, especially as she can see my face.

“I’d love to tell you everything was hunky-bloody-dory but I’d be lying through my teeth. Things are okay, I guess I shouldn’t be moaning really.”

“Oh, so are you talking to Mr Mystery yet?”

“God no. But, I’ve decided that I’m not going to get myself down about it either. What’s the point? I’m here to do a job not mope about how much of a stupid cow I have been. I need to enjoy this experience as much as I can otherwise I will end up regretting it and then beat myself up about it.”

“That’s my girl.” She laughs.

“The best way to look at it, no matter where I am; I will be dealing with a dickhead whether I am at home or away, so what does it matter?”

“Oh I love what you did there. How far behind are we on the episodes? I hate having to sit down and watch it without you.”

“Do you know, I haven’t even checked. I don’t want to know what I have missed as I’m so far behind already.” Me, Jen and George always settled down to watch the Home and Away Omnibus. I bet the little sods have been watching it without me too.

“Hey, erm... I understand why if you haven’t told me but has Josh tried to call you while you’ve been over there doing your thing?”

“No. Why would he call me? I made it perfectly clear when I last spoke to him that he had no reason to contact me whatsoever.” Why would she be asking if Josh has called me?

“It’s just that he’s been hovering around Stanton’s recently. Apparently George has spotted him a couple of times. He must be waiting for you to come back or something.”

“He doesn’t even know that I left, well he didn’t do. I guess it doesn’t take a genius to work out that I’m not around though. I’ll give him a call later and see what his game is.”

“Don’t bother yourself with it princess, George said he’ll have a word if he sees him again anyway.” She says in her reassuring tone while twirling her glorious hair.

I guess it looks like today isn’t going to be as positive as I thought. Why would Josh be hanging around Stanton’s? More importantly, why would he keep coming back when he clearly knows that I’m not there?

“What’s the update on you and lover boy?” A huge grin spreads across her face which convinces me that things are still rocking in Jen’s world and I’m glad too. She deserves to be happy.

“Hey Jess. Still looking good, I see.”

“Shit!” I jump in my seat as Luke’s face appears before me. Trust Jen to FaceTime me when she has her fuck-buddy around. I’m glad they’re both wearing clothes; I guess I should be thankful to her for sparing me that sight. I suddenly feel my face heat up as I remember what he witnessed a few weeks ago. I’m never going to feel comfortable around Luke again. Ever.

“Um, hi Luke. So are you guys practically attached at the genitalia these days or what?”

“There’s no need to be jealous sugar tits.” No fucking way did he just call me sugar tits? I look at Jen, hoping she’ll have something to say in my defence but instead she’s too busy snorting through her laughter. The more time that passes the more dislike I feel for him. Yes, it maybe because of my own stupidity and embarrassment but still, the guy’s a tool. I’m about to say my goodbyes when I glance up and see Stella heading towards Max’s office.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck.” I shout, completely forgetting I still have an audience.

“Hey, what’s up? Has hot stuff finally decided to tell me he can’t live without me and that’s he’s destined to give me babies?”

“That fucking cow’s just shown up hasn’t she, so I guess he won’t be far behind.” I say, choosing not to take her bait. “Listen, I’m gonna have to shoot. I’ll call you later and give you the lowdown. Luke, by the way, just so you know, you’re an absolute twat.”

“Love you….” Jen manages to say before I shut down the call. So much for me grabbing my balls and getting on with things.  I feel sick, physically sick. Even my full fat cappuccino and pan au chocolate are no longer doing things for me like they were just moments before.

“Oh hi, Jess isn’t it?” How fucking childish? She’s what late twenties maybe early thirties and she’s pretending she doesn’t remember my name? Yeah, very grown up love.

“Hey, how are you?” My fake smile is plastered on when all I want to is rip her bloody throat out. I watch silently as she pulls the chair out in front of me and sits down. It looks like she’s gearing herself up for a right good natter. What an absolute psycho.

“I’m great, but I’m sure you already know that. I must say, I’m pretty surprised to see you here to be honest. Max told me you were going back to London. I thought you would have left by now.” He did what? So not only am I a laughing stock, I’m now the subject of their pillow talk. Fucking brilliant. “I don’t blame you, not at all. It’s only natural that you’d want to go home now that there is nothing here for you.”

“Really? What makes you think there is nothing here for me? I’m here to work on this project. Yes work, Stella. Do you even know what that is?” I say a lot more calmer than I am feeling right now.

“Don’t you feel a little bit awkward?” She asks, completely ignoring my insulting question. “I’m pretty sure I would, especially seeing who you have to work with. You should never mix business with pleasure unless your one hundred percent sure that they’re actually into you otherwise it could get a little embaressing.” The smile plastered on her face is begging to be wiped off with my fist. I’m about to reply when my phone vibrates on the desk in front of me. I quickly tear my eyes away from the vile creature that’s currently sitting before me and glance at my phone.

We really need to talk. ASAP.

Max.

No we don’t. Not unless it’s about work then I don’t plan on talking to him anytime soon. I feel Stella’s intense gaze burning into me. Why oh why is she still here? “What do you want Stella? I’m guessing it’s not for idle chit chat?”