“The same thing he got me last year, actually.” I pass my empty mug to Bella for the refill. She hovers, knowing I might need to have a sweary conversation once I hang up.
There’s a loaded silence. I can’t believe she even has to think about it.
“He doesn’t have a job, Sadie. You can’t expect him to spend what little money he has on gifts for you.”
I know for a fact my mother gives him a very generous ‘allowance’. I’d make a comment about what he’s doing with his life, which is partying, but it only falls on deaf ears.
“I suppose your father will ignore his only son’s birthday like he always does.”
“You mean like he ignores mine? Probably.” Dad ignores all of us. My brother shouldn’t feel special.
“Hmm. I did warn you studying ancient history wouldn’t be enough to get his attention. Did you listen to me? No, you did not.”
This is the point in the conversation I usually tune out. Today, I take it one step further.
“I have to go, Mum. I’m late for work. I’ll let you know if I can make it tomorrow night.” And I hang up before she can respond.
Well, that effectively poured a bucket of cortisol on my post-sex endorphins.
Chapter Three
Ethan
“Ethan.” Jennifer holds out her arms in welcome, her trademark matte red lips stretched into a mile-wide smile. “How are you?” The smile might be wide, but the dark eyes are sharp, missing nothing.
The last time I saw Jennifer in person, I was not in good shape. Despite the positive reports she’s no doubt had from Cambridge, she’s taking a risk on me. We’re both aware of it. Not only am I young for being groomed as department head, but I’m only two years out from a crisis that nearly broke me. Personal friendship aside, I need to perform. And I intend to.
I lean in for a cheek kiss and a hug.
“I’m good, Jennifer.” I hesitate. No point lying. Good might be overstating it a little. “Much better than last time you saw me, at least.”
She shakes her silver head, her perfectly trimmed bob swinging elegantly.
“I can’t imagine what you’ve been through.”
She knows what I’ve been through. I lost my wife.
What she can’t imagine—what she doesn’t want to imagine—is how I’m still standing. Still putting one foot in front of the other. Her wife means everything to her. As mine did to me. Nobody wants to imagine what that kind of loss is like.
We travel up in the gleaming new lift to the ancient history department. Things are very different from when I was an undergrad, and post grad, here. A shiny new building with enormous windows, fresh white walls and plush carpet. Yet somehow, it still manages to smell of dust, old paper and the concoction of chemicals used to preserve the artefacts the university has been lucky enough to get their hands on over the years.
Jennifer might be in a brand-new office, flooded with natural light, but the desk and bookcases are as cluttered and disorganised as they always were. The only thing the extra light does is highlight the layer of dust over everything except the small space where her laptop is squeezed in.
“Nothing’s changed, I see.”
“Cheeky.” She settles herself behind the desk. “Miranda wants you to come for dinner as soon as you’re settled.”
“I hope she’s not planning on cooking.” I shudder. Jennifer’s wife is the world’s worst cook, but nobody has the heart to tell her because she prefaces every conversation about food with how it’s her love language and breaking bread is the cornerstone of society. I probably don’t need to say she’s an anthropologist. Brilliant. But blind to her own under-seasoned, overcooked shortcomings.
Jennifer laughs. “It won’t kill you. I’ve been eating her cooking for twenty years and look at me.” She indicates her well-padded frame.
“Hmm. It’s a mystery.” I have a theory. “Is that Korean fried chicken shop still on campus?”
Jen has the good grace to blush.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. Anyway. Let’s get down to business. It’s wonderful to have you on the team. Our Egypt and the Near East offering has been sadly lacking for the past couple of years.”
“How can you say such a thing when you’ve got Martin Collins on staff?” I tease, knowing Jennifer’s feelings—almost everyone’s feelings—about Martin and his abilities.
