Rain Music Read Online Free Page A

to go and find him.’ She paused thoughtfully for a moment.
    They walked on for a while, chatting amiably. Bella talked about her work situation and Brendan tried consoling her but she found herself not really listening. Another idea was forming in her mind.
    At the crest of a hill, Brendan stopped walking and looked at her intently. ‘Bell, I know I’ve asked you before, but seriously, we’ve been together for nine months now and I really want us to move in together. Why won’t you agree?’ He put his arm around her.
    Bella stiffened and then wriggled out from under his arm. They walked on in silence. She did care a lot about Brendan but for some reason she just couldn’t bring herself to commit to living with him. She felt that gnawing feeling inside her again. It was the same feeling she had about her job. Something just wasn’t quite right and she couldn’t put her finger on what it was. She sighed and then she realised that Brendan was still waiting for her to answer.
    â€˜I tell you what,’ she said slowly. ‘I need a break from work. Now that this project has fallen through, it’s the perfect time for me to take a holiday. I need some time and space to figure things out. And I really want to see Ned. So I think I’ll go on a holiday up to Queensland. Just me.’ She could see the hurt forming on Brendan’s face. ‘But while I’m away I’ll think about us moving in and maybe I’ll be able to give you an answer when I get back.’ She smiled encouragingly at him and, while he didn’t look happy, he let the matter drop.
    *
    Just over a week later, Josie stood at her gate, arms folded across her chest as she said goodbye to her daughter.
    â€˜I hope you have fun and relax. I’m glad you’re taking some time off, but keep safe, won’t you?’
    â€˜I’ll be fine, Mum,’ Bella replied.
    â€˜I wish Brendan was going with you.’
    â€˜He just can’t afford to take the time off right now. Too many patients to reorganise,’ Bella said quickly. ‘I’m excited about being on my own and not having to think about anyone but me. I need a breather.’
    â€˜I can understand that, I guess. I just hope that Brendan can, too. Bella, he is the loveliest man. Don’t lose him.’
    Bella groaned. ‘He’s not a stray puppy! Brendan understands why I need to take this holiday, and he’s fine about it.’
    â€˜Yes, you work hard, so make sure this time is for you and get a real break. Take a leaf out of Ned’s book. Too bad we don’t know where he is, you could have spent some time together.’
    â€˜I’ll call you when I can, but remember, I could be in places where there is no phone reception, so don’t worry.’
    â€˜I won’t, and enjoy yourself, sweetie. Send me photos so I can see where you are.’
    â€˜Of course.’ Bella stepped forward and hugged her mother, but she couldn’t help thinking to herself, You don’t lay these sorts of conditions on Ned .
    Bella climbed into her car and tapped the horn in a cheerful toot as she waved goodbye. She didn’t feel dishonest not telling her mother the whole truth about the impetus behind this break. Bella told herself that if she did manage to find Ned and drag him home, then her mother would be happy, but if she failed, then her mother would be none the wiser and no harm would be done.
    During the previous ten days, she’d planned her trip, wrapped up a few loose ends at work and tried to track down Ned. She’d emailed him, telling him of her plans for a trip, and had tried to call him a couple of times, but to no avail. From her Facebook contacts and ringing around some of their mutual friends Bella had discovered that Ned had been singing at festivals in Queensland, but then had appeared fairly recently in a club in Cairns, and this certainly tied in with what he’d told Josie.