CHAPTER 48: JACK

I grabbed a beer from the cooler in the kitchen and headed into the front room, taking a seat in the corner with Austin and Josh. Neither said anything. What can they say? We were all expecting Sandra to turn up tonight with the girls. Maggie and Leila will drag her along because Leila's fed up with the – and I quote – 'goddamn miserable look on her face all the damn time.'

I guess we were both gonna be forced here tonight because I'd rather be anywhere but here.

I took a mouthful of beer and swallowed it heavily, just waiting. I didn't know what I was waiting for.

Maybe I was waiting for her pretty green eyes to meet mine. Maybe I was waiting to hear her laugh and see her smile again. Maybe I was waiting for a moment I can approach her – in a totally non-caveman way – and just.... See her. Without the shouting about how shit my life is without her. I can do without that, and she probably can too.

The house filled up as the guys and I sat in silence. I didn't touch the beer again. I h