The only thing I know is I can’t go back to studying at that university. So in the small amount of free time I allow myself, I research where else I could complete my PhD. There are a couple of courses in the US. The Charles University in Prague has an interesting program, but that’s out because dear old Dad is lecturing there. Cambridge is out because of Ethan. Still, I have a short list of three by the time my meeting with Jennifer arrives. After the way she dropped a bomb on my career, then brushed her hands off and walked away, the least she can do is put in a good word for me and help me get an interview.
Chapter Forty-Five
Ethan
And as soon as my feet hit Australian soil, I message my brothers.
SOS sailing club, 5pm tomorrow
Will
I’m in Bangalay. Is it a five-alarm fire?
I debate telling him not to worry since his babies are still so young, but not only will my older brother give me sound advice, asking him for it will help repair our relationship.
Yes
Will
I’m there
Ben
Done
Josh
I’ll book a table
Nick
I’ve just touched down in Inverness. Facetime me if you need me
Honestly, I don’t know what I did without these guys for two years. Oh, wait. Yes. I wallowed. And maybe if I hadn’t, I would’ve come out the other end of my grief a little sooner.
“And that’s Cora with Blue.” Will is showing Josh a video on his phone when I arrive at the table. “You can hear her saying Blue already. Listen.” There’s indistinct gurgling from the phone.
“Yeah, I don’t think Cora’s saying Blue. Sounds more like a burp to me.”
“She’s a genius, I’m telling you.” Will closes his phone and lays it on the table with a huff.
“Must take after Freyja then,” Josh shoots back.
“Well look at you all tanned and fit, looking like Indiana Jones,” Ben says, coming back from the bar with a very nice bottle of red and four glasses.
I check out the label.
“Nick will be sorry he missed this one.” Nick is partial to an expensive drop of red.
As usual, everyone starts talking at once.
“I’m sure he’s content with testing the whisky at the new distillery.”
“It’ll be years before it’s ready to taste.”
“Don’t worry, Duncan has a pretty good cellar under that castle of his. Nick’s not missing out.”
Once we’re all settled with a glass of wine and have ordered an early dinner, Will wastes no time in getting the ball rolling.
