Hold On to Me Read Online Free PDF Page B

to you too. How’s that baby of yours? Is she missing me?’ Luca’s voice echoed in the high-ceilinged space.
    â€˜Stop avoiding the question. Did you call her or not?’
    â€˜Yeah, I called her yesterday. Left a message. I haven’t heard from her.’
    He could hear his sister’s gasp down the line. ‘She hasn’t called you back?’
    Luca walked out the back door and stood in the handkerchief-size backyard. An old cement laundry trough filled with dirt and a few spindly weeds was the only hint of greenery. High brick walls on either side provided some privacy and there was a driveway at the back. He wondered again if his truck would fit in the small space. ‘Give her a break, sis. I reckon she’s got a shitload of things to do and calling a tradie right now is probably not high on her list.’
    â€˜You don’t know Stella like I do.’
    â€˜Maybe she’s called someone else instead, huh? I’m a little busy myself, having just bought a house that needs renovating. While I appreciate you putting a good word in for me with this woman, I’ve got a lot planned for the next four weeks. I won’t have the time.’
    â€˜You wouldn’t do this for Stella?’ Anna demanded. ‘When exactly did you call her?’
    â€˜Yesterday. Exactly three seconds after you called me the first time.’ Luca ran a hand through his hair. He had to be glued to his phone—it was crucial for business—but the downside was that the women in his life could get him at any time of the day or night. And when they called him—his mother, his little sister Grace or Chief Nagger—his big sister Anna—he always took the call. No matter what. It was a blessing and a curse to be loved so much by them all.
    â€˜Well?’ Anna’s excitement level rose down the line. ‘Did you call her again? Luca, this is important. It’s Stella we’re talking about. Her shop is stunning. It’s the best boutique on the south coast. Did you know that she gets stilettos in especially for me? In every colour you can imagine. She’s worth her weight in gold and she’s one of Julia’s oldest friends.’
    So this woman Stella whatever-her-name-was was obviously smart. She’d sussed out Anna’s weakness for high heels and was probably making a killing.
    â€˜Anna, don’t you reckon she might be a little caught up at the moment, seeing as her shop nearly burnt down?’
    â€˜Sure. Probably. But you don’t know Stella. She’ll be wanting to reopen as soon as she can.’
    â€˜It’s almost summer and she’s in a beachside tourist town. I’m not surprised.’
    â€˜Hey, where are you? You sound kind of echoey.’
    The smile spread across his face again. ‘I’m in the house. Today’s settlement and I got the keys.’
    â€˜Oh damn, I forgot it was today. You, a homeowner. How Italian of you.’
    â€˜Damn right. I’m on the property ladder.’
    â€˜I’m glad you started early. Look at me.’
    Luca chuckled. ‘Yeah, look at you. You’re a GP. Reckon you’re pulling in way bigger bucks than me.’
    â€˜I am now, but not for long, little brother. You wait and see. The skills you have, you’ll be beating back work with a stick.’
    Luca glanced to the sky, a small square of blue above him. ‘From your lips to god’s ear.’
    â€˜Get Nonna to pray for you. That always works. Look, I know you’ve got a lot on your plate but promise me you’ll help Stella.’
    Luca let out a weary sigh. He knew he was beaten. ‘Tell me again where this shop is?’
    â€˜On the south coast. At Port Elliot. On The Strand.’
    Luca wondered if he’d heard right. ‘What the hell is a strand?’
    â€˜It’s the name of a street. Drive down to Victor Harbor, turn left at the big roundabout and then in a few clicks you