A Rock And A Damn Hard Place

Jesse’s jaw had dropped when he learned about the secret marriage. He’d thought his friend was insane back then. But he relaxed when he realised it was just Austyn’s way to compensate the girl. The title of Mrs McCarthy would give her protection and a pretty comfortable life. It was going to be a marriage in name only. It would be like Austyn had a long-term house guest. But now, hearing this declaration of love, Jesse knew for sure Austyn had gone off the deep end. ‘Do you know what you’re saying?’ Austyn nodded. Jesse struggled to keep his voice down. ‘When I said treat her right, I meant don’t dislocate her shoulder or throw stuff in the room. I didn’t mean fall in love with her! Please tell me you’re kidding.’ ‘I’m not.’ Austyn had struggled with it. This feeling that was swelling up inside his chest. He didn’t recognise it at first. It wasn’t the same feeling as what he had for Deborah. So he didn’t think it was love. Fondness mixed with guilt, maybe, but not love. But he could no