Chapter Two - Part Two

Chapter Two - Part Two

 

Both Andrea and I stared at him. I was intrigued by what he’d said. What was it? It wasn’t like Robbie to keep secrets. In fact, he was the most open person I knew. It had to be something serious, I was sure of it.

“There’s no easy way to say this,” he said.

“What is it Robbie?” I asked.

“I’m starting my own business!”                        

Andrea and I clapped. I was amazed, I’d had no idea that Robbie had even been thinking about this. I was a little disappointed I hadn’t been involved, but mainly I was excited and happy for him. This was such a big step.

“That’s amazing Robbie! I must ask though, how did I not see you in The Little Teapot?”

“I was hiding out in the back. I wanted to catch you guys together so I could tell you both at the same time, so I encouraged Evelyn to approach you because I knew you guys would hit it off. She is so your type.”

“That’s true. So tell me more about this business of yours,” Andrea said.

“It’s basically a little dream of mine I’ve had for a while. I never mentioned it because I was scared it would never come about.”

“This is wonderful, Robbie. I have a question about something else as well. Why have you never told me about your sister?”

Robbie and Andrea shot looks at each other across the table. I had an uncomfortable feeling that I’d hit a dangerous subject. I began to wish I hadn’t asked.

“It’s a complicated story. In short, Andrea was estranged from the family when she came out. She was really upset and disappeared. I had no idea where she was or what happened to her, she hasn’t been in touch since. I guess she blamed me, I was the one who encouraged her to come out in the first place.”

For the first time, Andrea didn’t look confident. I could see the hurt in her eyes. I took her hand and squeezed it in what I hoped was a comforting manner.

“It’s true. I blamed you, Robbie. I started searching for you a couple of months ago, and I want to apologise for what happened.”

“Forgiven and forgotten.”

“Well then I hope you can forgive me for what else I did.”

To be continued…