Free The Bridesmaid's Hero by Narelle Atkins Page A

there to discuss?” She stared into his eyes, her sandwich forgotten. “You know this is the opportunity you’ve wanted forever. I’m not standing in your way.”
    “Serena.” He rubbed his hands over his face. “There are other jobs, and I can do the course next year from anywhere in Australia.”
    She twisted a lock of hair from her ponytail around her finger. “When do they need a definite answer?”
    “By Friday next week. We can talk about it over the next week.”
    “No, we can’t.”
    He widened his eyes. “Why? You’re due for some time off work.”
    “I’m driving home to Canberra tomorrow morning.”
    “What? I thought you were staying here for a couple more weeks.”
    She shook her head. “My parents can cope without me, and my circumstances have changed.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “Jane, my friend who’s looking after my apartment, is moving out on the weekend. I need to see her before she leaves.”
    “Okay, but you could visit for a few days and leave your place empty for a week or so. A neighbor could water your garden.”
    “Yes, but that’s not the only thing that’s happening. My boss called on Friday and they want me back at the restaurant as soon as possible.”
    He narrowed his eyes. “I thought you had the time off work all organized.”
    “My replacement is sick with chicken pox.”
    “There’s no one else they can call in?”
    She shook her head. “It’s a busy time of year. There are Christmas functions to cater as well as the restaurant being booked out.”
    “What time are you leaving tomorrow?”
    “Early, around seven. I’ve made an appointment in Canberra for my leg, and they had a cancellation at ten. I was lucky.”
    His heart constricted, the implications of her decision permeating in his mind. “So this is it. Our final goodbye before you leave.”
    She nodded. “I guess so.”
     

 
     
    Chapter Eight
    Serena finished her sandwich, unable to ignore the tension. Harry’s silence provided a strong indication of his turbulent feelings. They mirrored her own.
    She understood why he was angry, and berated herself for not messaging him after she had spoken with her boss. She should have said something days ago to explain why she needed to leave Snowgum Creek this week.
    “Harry, I’m sorry. I was going to stay for a few more days, but I couldn’t get an appointment for my leg later in the week. I only learned about the cancellation a few hours ago.”
    He nodded, his face reflecting his conflicted emotions. “You need to get your leg looked at as soon as possible.”
    She scrunched her sandwich bag in her hand, releasing her frustration on the paper. “Now isn’t the best time for us to talk.”
    “So you do want to talk?”
    “Of course, but I’m exhausted, my leg hurts, and my mind is preoccupied with the long list of things I need to do before tomorrow morning.”
    “Have you started packing?”
    She shook her head. “I thought I had more time. Mom’s arm is nearly back to normal, and I was focused on helping my father finish all the manual work Mom can’t do.”
    “Would you like help packing? I could come over tonight.”
    “No, it’s okay.” She scraped her teeth over the inside of her cheek. “I presume you’re working the late shift, and I need an early night.”
    “I’m at work until eight.” He leaned back in his seat, crossing his muscular arms over his broad chest. “Are you willing to see me if I drive to Canberra next week?”
    “Yes, but we could talk on the phone.”
    “It’s not the same as talking in person. Do you know your work schedule yet?”
    “It will depend on what the doctor says about my leg. I assume I’ll be okay to work by Friday or Saturday as long as I can rest for the next few days.”
    His mouth relaxed into a smile. “I’ll message you and we can line up a time. I could drive over early one morning.”
    “That suits me. I usually start my midweek shifts after lunch.”
    “And Serena.” His