The temptation to disappear off into the Adam and Bea bubble tugged on my bruised heart. He’d been my escape for so long that the thought of a few uncomplicated hours away from all the worry was almost overwhelming.

‘I promise I won’t mention the ring in my pocket unless you want me to.’

Ah, yes. With Adam, things could never stay uncomplicated; that was part of our problem.

The simple truth was, I felt too tired to resist the one thing I’d been hoping for since I was a teenager. When he reached out and took my hand in his, more familiar to me than my own, I couldn’t remember why I was bothering to even think about it.

Right about the second I was about to give in and run off with Adam for the squillionth time, Jed walked in.

‘Bea, are you ready to come and start on the hall?’ He paused when he saw Adam, eyes narrowing.

‘Um, I need to clear up here and get changed first. I’ll see you there in a bit.’

‘There’s loads to do before we go and see Nana Joy. You know if we leave the building anything less than perfect Mum will feel compelled to sort it before she’s able to sleep.’

‘I know, I said I’m coming!’

‘I’m happy to help,’ Adam said, pretending that Jed wasn’t giving him a death stare. ‘I think I remember where most things go, and I’ll definitely never forget Principal Armstrong’s high standards.’

‘While we appreciate the offer,’ Jed said, in a pleasant tone that somehow came across as more threatening than if he’d snarled, ‘I need to talk to my sister about some family stuff.’

‘Okay. I could see you later on, then?’ Adam said, as indifferent as ever to Jed’s hostility. ‘After the hospital?’

‘Maybe. I’m not sure how late I’ll be staying.’ I started stacking the dirty pots into the dishwasher. ‘It’s just really not a good time…’

‘I know that, Bea. That’s why I’m here. I want to help.’

‘Thank you. I’ll let you know if it’s not too late.’

‘Any time. Message me when you’re free and I’ll come over.’

‘I’ll see you down there.’ Jed threw me a sharp glare and abruptly left.

It felt as if I was having to choose between Adam and my family. My career and my family. Being happy and my family. It was a giant mess and I had no idea how to handle any of it.

Okay, Bea. One step at a time…

Right. I thought of Henry’s pros and cons list. What mattered most, right now, this morning?

I said goodbye to Adam and went to help my brother tidy up the small mess I could handle.

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