The Problem With Heartache Read Online Free Page B

former boyfriend’s brother was dating my former genetics counsellor, now turned regular counsellor. They were in love, and there were even talks of them going on a yoga retreat. It was twisted, to say the least. And not just in the downward-dog department.
    “So … you think I should just … go?”
    “I think the last thing Johnny wants is you sharing a bed with him and sexy counsellor as he tries to find her Zen-spot.” Stacey raised her eyebrows. “Besides, you’ll have a good time. I just got back, and I had a ball.”
    “With your boyfriend .” I pursed my lips.
    “In another country ,” she corrected me, and I smiled. She did have a point. “Look, if you won’t do it for the fact that it’s advancing your career, paying decent money and giving you an opportunity to see the world—dear God, what am I saying? Why do I even need a further argument?” She rested back in her seat and I smiled. You couldn’t help it when you were around her. It was contagious. “If you won’t do it for all those amazing, stellar, super fabulous reasons, do it for Lee.”
    I pulled my neck back. “Lee?”
    “Lee- freaking -Collins.” Stacey smiled, then shuffled her chair closer, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “You know, super-hot rock god, who pretty much asked you out back at the memorial for Lachlan?”
    Images of Lee swelled to the forefront of my mind, his eyes—those striking, blue eyes that held me in one place. It still seemed weird to think that he had more or less asked me on a date, and I hated that a little, tiny something stirred inside me when I thought of that. Because nothing should. Because Lachlan was the one guy who was perfect for me, who understood me—who got me.
    I love Lachlan.
    “That was a pity ask.” I shook my head, placing my hands around the bottom of my milkshake glass.
    “That was a legitimate question—and this is a legitimate opportunity.” Stacey paused, then her hand reached for my wrist across the table. She squeezed it. “Kate, I know you’re still hurting.”
    “I—”
    “And I know you don’t want to hear this. But Lachlan … he’d want you to be happy. You can’t be his girl forever, Kate.”
    Her words hit me, hard, like a dagger to my chest. I jerked back my hand and put it safely in my lap. I wanted forever. I wanted to be his forever so bad. “I’m not …” I shook my head. God, I didn’t even know what I was anymore.
    “Kate, I know this is hard for you, but …” Stacey looked up at me, sincerity bleeding from her eyes. “It could be really good for you to have a change of scenery, too. Stuck here in this café, your house, those places that remind you of him? It can’t be good for you to be so—”
    “I like my life,” I snapped. “I need to be here, Stacey.” And if I go, I can’t visit the grave anymore. Can’t close my eyes and pretend, just for one moment, that he could come back.
    “I’m just saying, go into it with an open mind, okay? I spent five-odd months on tour with them in the States. Lee is a good guy—he’s not Dave, Kate. And you need someone good.” She smiled reassuringly, and I offered her a weak version in return. “And if all that— all that —isn’t enough, do it for me.”
    “Because …?”
    “Because my boyfriend is going on another international tour, only this time, he’ll be without me.”
    “Are you worried?” I tilted my head to the side. “I’m sure he wouldn’t—”
    “Hell no, I’m not worried. I just want to make sure he’s not having too much fun while I’m slaving away over my TAFE books. I need someone to make his life miserable, you know? And I think you’d be perfect for the job.”
    This time, I grinned. It seemed the only thing to do.
    “Plus, you’ll get to meet Lottie. I hung out with her during the last few weeks while the boys were doing band stuff when I went with them,” Stacey said. “She’s great; you’ll love her.”
    I let my mind explore the idea, the