He frowns. “Scarlet, she mentioned it had been sold. I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Yeah, I’m gutted about it. I’m looking for somewhere new, though, and something will come up.”
“Good things come to us when we are least expecting them, Nina. Believe in that, and you will be just fine.”
I replay Anthony’s words in my head as we sit on the meadow together for over an hour, taking in the scenery. No conversation needed—just the sun on our backs and the hope for better days.
25
Nina
I feel refreshedwhen I leave Lowerwick. It made me see that there are so many more important things in life than the studio. Seeing Anthony and the poor health he has right now, it makes me realise that sitting around and wallowing over my misfortune won’t make a difference. You have to get out, do something. I plan to explore all my options over the weekend so that when Monday comes I am ready to get my shit together.
I have to stay positive.
Mason’s been on my mind all afternoon, and being at his childhood home made me feel closer to him. He is distant right now and it’s hard to understand his headspace, but I want to make things okay between us.
Pulling out my phone, I call him, hoping he will answer.
“Angel,” he says down the phone, his voice smooth and comforting.
I smile wide at the endearment. “Hey.”
Silence stretches between us, and I worry I should have just waited until I got home to talk. I just missed him.
“Sorry I didn’t call today. It’s been busy in the office,” he tells me.
“You don’t need to apologise, it’s me who should be sorry. I know you have a lot on right now, and I should be better. I was a little emotional last night, and I was deflecting my own problems.”
“What?” he says, sounding confused.
“It’s just a job,” tears fill my eyes, and I fight to keep my voice steady. Do I even believe my own words? “I will find something else, and I will work at making it just as good. But I shouldn’t be dragging you down into my mess, it’s not your fault and you have enough going on.”
He clears his throat. “Can we talk about this when I get home, babe? I’m nearly there.”
“Uh, yeah, you might beat me back though.” I chuckle as I think about my impromptu afternoon.
“Where are you? You’ve been out?”
“Yeah, I went to see your sister and dad.”
“Where?”
“Lowerwick.” I frown, gripping the phone tight.
Shit.
Should I have asked him first?
“The girls were both working, and I knew Scar would be home,” I try to explain.
“It’s fine. I will see you at home.”
I already know it’s not fine. The tone of his voice tells me it’s not fine. I keep fucking this up.
“Okay. I’m sorry, Mase.”
“Stop saying sorry. Please. There is nothing for you to be sorry about.” He exhales heavily down the phone, and my heart aches in my chest.
