On the Same Page

By Esther Frieda

Shane ran a business as an electrician in the New South Wales town of Lismore. Though she was successful in her work life, she hadn’t been so lucky in love. After Shane had her heart broken, she decided not to let that happen ever again. She no longer believed in relationships and only had casual encounters. She never let herself get emotionally involved. That is until she met Amy, a woman she couldn't stop thinking about.

Amy’s partner of eight years falsely accused her of having an affair and told her the relationship was over. A friend invited her to stay with her in Lismore while Amy got over the breakup. She was invited to play softball with a local team that needed an extra player. Amy met Shane at the first practise session. As soon as they met Shane started hitting on Amy. There was definitely chemistry between them, but people warned her that Shane was not to be trusted.

Now that Amy was single again, she thought that a fling with Shane might be fun, but realised after a night together, it was a big mistake. She couldn't turn her emotions off the way Shane did. She thought that her feelings would not one sided. Her only option was to stop seeing Shane all together.

Shane realised that her feelings for Amy were real and wanted to be with her. How would Shane convince Amy that she was serious about a relationship and will Amy be able to trust that Shane had changed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Esther Frieda
• Release date: Oct 20, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005513061

Esther Frieda

For the last 10 years or so I have endeavoured to live a creative life. I have been working as a photographic artist and have now returned to writing. When not writing I like to go bush walking, cycling or swimming in the ocean. I presently live in Melbourne.

Book preview

On the Same Page

By Esther Frieda

Text copyright © 2020 Esther Frieda

All Rights Reserved

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Acknowledgements

About the Author

Chapter One

Amy woke to the crash of cutlery in the kitchen. As her eyes adjusted to the light, she remembered that she’d slept in the guest room and why. Jackie’s angry words still echoed in her head. She rubbed her temples in a circular motion to soothe a headache.

The door opened, and Jackie came into the bedroom carrying two plates with scrambled eggs on toast. She had already showered and dressed. Her collar length brown hair framed her round face. Her mouth was smiling but her eyes were not. I made breakfast. She thrust a plate in Amy’s direction.

Amy wriggled up to a sitting position. She knew the cooked breakfast was a peace offering and ate in silence without tasting the food.

Jackie adjusted a pillow and got in bed beside Amy. After several minutes she sighed. Why were you sneaking in last night hoping I wouldn’t notice?

I wasn’t sneaking. I was trying to be quiet so I wouldn’t wake you up.

Why didn’t you tell me you were going to be so late?

For god’s sake, I thought you’d be asleep.

I thought you were meeting Julia for dinner.

We went back to her place.

You’ve seen her nearly every day this week.

So?

You spend more time with her than with me.

I told you, her mother has cancer. She’s dying. She needed to talk.

Are you sure that’s all you did?

What?

I need to know the truth. Are you in love with her?

What the fuck?

Well, are you? Are you having an affair?

Amy dropped the plate on the floor beside her and threw the doona back. I don’t believe this.

Jackie’s eyes narrowed. So, you’re not denying it.

Is this what last night was really about? You think I’m fucking Julia.

Jackie sat with her arms crossed, a stony expression on her face.

Amy grabbed clothes that were on the floor beside the bed. She hurriedly pulled jeans over her boxer shorts and tucked in the t-shirt.

Don’t you dare leave, yelled Jackie. If you walk out now this relationship is over.

Are you serious? Are you breaking up with me?

What’s the point in staying together when you obviously don’t care about me anymore.

I can’t do this right now.

The front door slammed.

Amy walked so fast she almost ran. She breathed deeply to try and calm herself down. She had to get out of the house before she did something she’d regret. All the arguments, the interrogations, the daily nagging now made sense.

When Amy returned to the house half an hour later, ready for another argument, Jackie’s car was gone. She went into the kitchen and poured herself a large glass of water. The phone in her pocket rang and she quickly pulled it out expecting it to be Jackie but was relieved to see that it wasn’t.

Amy let out a sigh as she answered. Hi Natalie.

Hi, … hey, what’s wrong?

I need to get out of here.

Why, what’s happened?

Jackie just broke up with me … last night I got in late and we had the biggest fight ever. This morning it all came out. She thinks I’m having an affair … with Julia.

No, you can’t be serious.

I got so angry I had to go for a walk, but when I got back, she wasn’t here. Her car’s gone. I don’t want to be here when she gets back. I can’t do this anymore.

What are you going to do?

I don’t know. I can’t think straight … and I can’t go to Julia’s. Jackie will look for me there.

Listen … I know Lismore’s a long way, but why don’t you come and stay with me. Jen’s away for a few weeks, so her room’s free. Maybe a couple of days away will give you both some space.

Amy took a moment to consider her options. Okay, thanks. I might just do that. I really need to get out of here. I don’t want to face her. We’ll just have another massive argument. I’ll throw a few things in the car.

Amy barely remembered the two-and-a-half-hour drive from Brisbane to Lismore. The further she went the angrier she became. She would never cheat on Jackie. Why didn’t she know that? Her hands gripped the steering wheel so tightly that her knuckles turned white. She couldn’t get Jackie’s smug expression out of her mind. She looked like she’d figured it all out and was just waiting for Amy to confess.

*

I’m so sorry, said Natalie as she opened the front door and pulled Amy into a hug.

Tears began to roll down Amy’s cheeks.

I wouldn’t be surprised if she’ll ring any minute wondering where you are.

Amy shook her head. I don’t think so. You should have seen how furious she was when I got home last night.

Natalie guided Amy towards a comfy sofa with a floral retro print. Come, sit down. Tell me what happened.

I came home late … about three, I think. I’d been at Julia’s because she’d just found out that her mother’s breast cancer has spread. She was upset and needed to talk. Jackie started yelling at me as soon as I got home, wanting to know where I’d been. She must have stayed up waiting for me. I said that she knew where I was but then she started screaming at me … went on about how I only think about myself and that I don’t give a shit about her.

What did you do?

I yelled back and told her what a controlling bitch she was. I was really tired, so I suggested we talk when she calmed down. I slept in the guest room.

I didn’t know she was like that.

The last six months have been the worst. She’s annoyed with me all the time and keeps nagging that I don’t prioritise the relationship. I can tell she doesn’t like me making new friends and hates that I play squash every week.

That’s weird.

Now all we do is argue.

But why would she think you’re having an affair?

I don’t know. She just said that I spend so much time with Julia and wanted to know if I was in love with her … she was expecting me to confess. Even if I said it wasn’t true, I could tell she wasn’t going to believe me.

Natalie shook her head. At least a couple of days here will give you a break.

To be honest, it’s a relief to get away. I’m just realising how stressed I’ve been. Maybe she’s done me a favour. Amy yawned. I got hardly any sleep last night. I’m exhausted.

The bed’s made up if you want to rest.

Thanks, Nat. I think I do need to crash for a bit. I really appreciate this.

*

When Amy woke two hours later, Natalie was standing at the stove turning rissoles in a frypan, an apron covering her shorts and t-shirt. She’d pulled her dark hair back into a ponytail.

Hey, said Amy sleepily.

Feeling better?

A bit. Amy sat down at the Laminex table to watch Natalie cook. Thanks again for inviting me to stay.

You’re welcome. We get to hang out together for a change. We haven’t seen much of each other the last couple of years.

Amy cleared her throat. Yeah, you’re right. I’ve been thinking … would it be okay if I stayed for a few days, maybe even a week or two?

Of course. I’d love that. Jen won’t be back for another three weeks. The room’s yours until then.

I’ve been working so hard on the business I haven’t had a proper holiday for a few years.

What will you do if Jackie asks you to come back?

To be honest, after what’s happened, I don’t think I want to. Which reminds me, I’ll have to find somewhere else to live. I’m going to have to think seriously about my finances. I should have brought my massage table with me.

I’ve still got my old table in the shed. You can borrow that.

You don’t happen to have any friends who need a massage, do you? It would be good to get some cash if I’m going to be here for a while.

The softball team could be a good place to start. I heard a few of the women are out with injuries.

I thought you’d quit.

I did, but Jen still plays. I could ring Jude, the coach … are you hungry? These are ready, said Natalie holding up one of the rissoles with a pair of tongs.

Thanks, I’m starving. All I had for breakfast was a mouthful of scrambled egg.

Natalie placed a bowl of salad and some hamburger buns on the table. Help yourself.

Thanks. Luckily, I’ve got my bike with me. It was already in the back of the car. I might go for a ride after. It might help me relax.

Natalie slowly cut her bun in half. I was wondering, if Jackie rings, should I tell her you’re here, or pretend I don’t know anything?

Amy felt tightness in her chest. I don’t expect she’ll ring you, but … just be honest with her, I guess.

"I meant to tell you, I’ll be in Brisbane next weekend to see Emma, so you’ll have the place to yourself … if you’re still here, that