‘Yeah, it’s finally finished. The scary bit comes next – waiting to see what the publishers and agents think of it.’
‘Well, if you ever fancy doing a reading at the new place, let me know. The venue I’ve rented is suitable for all kinds of creativity, not just paintings. We’re going to hold poetry readings too, although that’s more my girlfriend’s sort of thing,’ says Danny.
‘Gosh, that’s so kind of you. I’d love that. I’m not sure it’ll get published. I mean, I hope it will, but it’s not easy. But if it does and I build up a bit more confidence about public speaking, then that would be a great idea. Thank you.’
Danny smiles at me and this conciliatory gesture feels like an important moment between us all. I have finally been accepted.
As I watch Danny and Poppy chatting, Jasmine helping James with the barbecue and Elias walking into the kitchen to check on Marmalade, my life feels complete. There is nothing more I could possibly wish for.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
It is eerily quiet after our adult children finally leave France to return home. It takes a while to get used to the emptiness around the villa, although Marmalade fills any void with all his mischief. I don’t dare tell Elias that I caught him climbing up the silk curtains in the living room yesterday. I must pick up more cat toys to keep him amused the next time I go shopping.
It’s surprising how busy we have been, as Elias and I make the most of the last days of summer in this gorgeous villa. I will miss the neighbours I have coffee with and the marmalade that Renee still insists on dropping off, despite the cupboards bursting with it. I will miss the cocktails in the sunshine by the sea, and I will miss Elias more than anything. We haven’t discussed how we will manage our long-distance relationship when we get home. We have simply made the most of these happy times and not tried to plan anything or look too far into the future, but now that the time to leave is drawing near and I need to organise a pet passport for Marmalade, it is a subject that can no longer be avoided.
During our walk home along the beachfront from our favourite local bar, I bring up the subject of Marmalade’s passport.
‘I think we’ll need to book the vet as soon as possible. I need to organise Marmalade.’
‘Ah, I wanted to speak to you about that,’ says Elias.
I start to panic and kick at the sand beneath my feet. What if Elias wants to keep Marmalade with him in Manchester or, even worse, suggests that we don’t take him home with us? Imagine if he is a monster who wants to find a new home for him.
I am almost afraid to hear what he is about to say.
‘What’s wrong?’
‘Nothing’s wrong. Quite the opposite. I wanted to ask you…’
My heart quickens as I look at the ocean in front of us as the waves lap back and forth onto the shore.
‘It’s just that, I thought…’ Before Elias can finish, my mobile starts ringing.
‘Oh no, what timing. I won’t answer it.’ I swipe at my phone to end the call but notice it is Soraya.
‘You’d better answer it,’ says Elias.
‘Don’t worry, I’ll call her back.’
‘But it’s Wednesday. You always have your video chat with Soraya and Carol on a Wednesday night. You’ve never missed it.’
‘It’s okay. I’ll call them back as soon as we get home. We’ll only be a minute.’
I need to sort Marmalade out first, as this conversation is really troubling me.
‘Well, in that case…’
Elias pulls me to him and strokes my hair.
‘What was it you wanted to say about Marmalade?’ I say, desperately.
‘It’s just that I think it would be a shame to send Marmalade to the UK.’
‘What?’No, Elias. Please do not burst my bubble.
‘So, I’ve been thinking. We have joint responsibilities here now. We can’t really leave them to go back. How about you move in with me here permanently? It’s time for a new chapter now. You, being a writer, will hopefully agree with that one.’
‘A new chapter?’
