A Family Affair - First Born Read Online Free PDF

leaning towards him. She was obviously having a wonderful time, although Tom’s back was to Ellen so it was difficult to see if he was laughing too. It was only her laugh that Ellen could hear. The woman was vaguely familiar, with long black curls, pale skin and bright red lipstick. Her makeup was heavy yet perfect, and her tight fitted clothing stylish and modern. Both factors suddenly made Ellen feel underdressed, and she didn’t want to be in the same room with such a woman.
    Before they had met, Ellen had read countless stories about Tom dating famous women like models and actresses. Who was she? It didn’t look like a business meeting of any sort. In fact, it looked like a date, if Ellen was honest with herself. They were sipping cocktails and eating from a shared platter of food. Ellen put the facts together in her mind: Tom himself had organised the meeting, he had his phone off, he hadn’t mentioned anything to her about the meeting, the woman was beautiful, and well-dressed, and the restaurant was expensive. It was the sort of place to bring a woman like this. All the factors suggested that this was a date.
    Ellen racked her brain trying to place the woman’s face. She was definitely familiar – a singer perhaps? Tom was acting happy and carefree – he obviously wasn’t thinking about his upcoming wedding. Abruptly, Ellen realised she was in the way of a waiter and quickly retreated back to the street. She was not comfortable with the thought of barging into that meeting. Of course he wasn’t on a date, she told herself, but for some unknown reason, tears were beginning to form. It looked like a romantic dinner for two, there was no denying it.
    Ellen found a seat outside and sat down quickly. She was being stupid but couldn’t help crying. What if it was real? What if Tom decided to end their engagement to be with a more glamorous woman? This woman was in her mid-twenties, and obviously more experienced and worldly than she was. How could she compete with that?
    If only her best friend hadn’t had a personality meltdown, and jumped off their balcony. Chloe developed many faults in Melbourne, but she could have been relied upon to provide a friendly ear and warm hug. Reassurance was exactly what she needed, but Chloe was gone. The only other person in Ellen’s life with whom she felt any degree of closeness was Kane. Could she call her trainer in this situation? Without thinking anymore about it, Ellen whipped out her phone, and dialled his number.
    He answered quickly. “Hey, beautiful. Have you come to your senses and decided to...”
    Ellen started crying, even though she was trying to hold it together.
    Kane dropped the humour straight away. “Ellen, what’s wrong?”
    “I’m sorry,” was all Ellen managed to get out, quite embarrassed by her state.
    “Don’t be. You know I’m here for you.”
    His kind words were enough to calm her. “I didn’t know who else to call. I hope you don’t mind.”
    “I’m glad you thought of me. Where are you?”
    “Flinders Lane, near Swanston Street.”
    “Do you want me to come and pick you up?”
    Ellen wondered what Kane must be thinking. In any case, he was willing to drop whatever he was doing without a second thought. “I don’t want to disturb you.”
    “Don’t worry about it. I can be there in five minutes.”
    “Okay.”
    “Don’t move. I’ll call if I can’t find you.”
    He must have sped to get there, because to Ellen’s surprise, Kane did find her after only five minutes had passed. Even dressed in faded brown leathers, his strong upper torso was recognisable. He smiled at her after ripping his helmet off, seemingly only concerned with her wellbeing. “Elle, are you okay?”
    She wasn’t and she knew she wasn’t, but tried to nod her head anyway. Seeing him did make things seem better in a way. She looked at her phone and realised that Tom might never call it again. Abruptly, she switched it off, preferring the empty, lifeless