Read Online Kiss It Better by Jenny Schwartz - Free Book Online Page A

responded easily, mostly with ‘I don’t know, but you can trust Theo, and Dad is keen to try other things.’ They accepted that and she chatted with Amy, a friend from high school, till the other woman rounded up her two hyperactive toddlers and walked out with the bread she’d bought tucked under one arm.
    ‘Leighton is here,’ Maureen, the café’s waitress, whispered in passing.
    ‘What?’
    Her cousin marched in the door. Leighton was dressed for work, even though Mick had fired him. His black trousers were meticulously creased and his white shirt spotless. ‘You lying bitch.’
    The café went silent. Cassie put down her knife and fork.
    ‘You set me up. You and your dad and Mr Money.’ Leighton leaned over her table. ‘You can tell all the lies you want. You can drive me out of town. Hell, everyone here will believe you. Mick Freedom can do no wrong. And Saint Cassie, giving her life for starving babies in Africa. But I’m not going to wear this.’
    Outrage spiked in Cassie. ‘You are such a liar. You stole from us. From family.’
    The drama had everyone’s attention. The tourists were curious, the locals, riveted.
    ‘I did nothing of the kind.’
    ‘Dad has the evidence.’
    Leighton swore. ‘If I did it, why isn’t Uncle Mick pressing charges?’
    ‘Because you’re family, you weasel. Dad’s not pressing charges for Aunt Gabby’s sake. Your mum, remember? But do you care? It’s not the money you stole from JayBay that matters, it’s that you broke everyone’s trust.’
    ‘Break Gabby’s heart,’ someone said at a table behind them.
    Leighton swung around to glare at him. The two old codgers at the table scowled back. ‘Never liked his father either,’ said one. ‘He broke Gabby’s heart, too.’
    Leighton stared around the café. People looked back with curiosity or hostility. ‘Screw you all.’ He leaned in to Cassie. ‘And you most of all, cousin. Glooming home and sucking up sympathy while you do nothing. Coming back in time to rake in the money from Uncle Mick selling JayBay.’
    ‘You’re a vicious, twisted liar.’
    ‘Don’t worry, St Cassie. I’ll make sure you get what you deserve.’ Spittle landed on her plate before he stormed out.
    The engine of his sports car snarled as he sped off down High Street. Everyone in the café watched it go, then turned to Cassie.
    She picked up her coffee cup with a steady hand that hid the shaky aftermath of anger’s adrenaline rush and her own heartbreak. While Leighton was like this, she’d lost a cousin, but the pride that had hid the worst of her burnout remained, and it helped her find the right words. ‘There’s a speed camera on the corner of Hatgold Street. I bet Leighton gets a ticket.’
    ***
    Dr Glendinning pretty much repeated Theo’s assessment and advice. ‘Exhaustion. Sleep, eat well and don’t fight with your cousin. He’s not worth it.’
    Cassie grimaced. The bush telegraph had beaten her back to the surgery, racing her down the street for the appointment Dr Glendinning’s receptionist had squeezed in.
    The doctor had known Cassie and Leighton from before they were born. She was also a romantic. ‘Concentrate on the young man who took you to dinner last night. Tall, dark and handsome, I hear.’
    ‘He’s a doctor,’ Cassie said.
    Dr G peered over the top of her glasses as she continued tapping notes into the computer. ‘A real one or a PhD?’
    ‘Snob.’ Cassie laughed. She recalled that Theo had accused her of the same thing. ‘A medical doctor, sports medicine.’
    ‘But I heard he was running Brigid Care.’
    ‘Family business.’
    ‘Ah. Like JayBay.’ A pause as Dr G tapped a final button and focussed fully on Cassie. ‘Are you okay with its sale?’
    ‘Yes.’ She held the doctor’s unblinking stare.
    ‘Good.’ Dr G nodded, satisfied. ‘I’ll phone you if the blood tests show anything important. Remember to rest. I don’t want you to do anything until you’re so bored you’re