“You’ve made it very clear, Nina. Lunch? As friends. You can have a copy of the lot.” He pops a thick brow in question.
“Sold.” I grin. “I’d be a fool not to.”
“Good! I can’t do lunch today, but I am free tomorrow?” he tells me.
“As much as I want to, I need to get serious and start looking for a place to rent. I’ve been putting it off because I miss the studio so much. I know it’s only been a few days, but I need to move on.”
“I’d say that’s normal.”
“Can I call you next week? Arrange something for then?”
“Sure, but I am holding the pictures hostage until I get my lunch date.”
“Not a date,” I remind him.
He holds up his hands. “Not a date.”
* * *
I’m just pullingon my gym tights when Scarlet calls. I’ve had a manic morning meeting with Joey and then coffee with Maggie to look at a potential studio. I’m excited to view it tomorrow.
“Hey, Scar.”
“Hey girl, what are you up to? I feel like we should be unemployed losers together these days.”
I chuckle down the phone. “Speak for yourself. Did you get the forms from the university yet?”
“Yes, I have, actually. But I won’t be starting until next September. I want to be here for Dad.”
No matter how much I try with Scarlet, she won’t pursue going back to uni until she knows her dad’s health is better. I just worry about what will happen if Anthony is still waiting for a transplant next year. Will she put it off again?
“I know, sorry. I won’t bring it up again—not unless you want to talk about it. I’m just about to go to the gym.”
“Ugh, boring. I’m trying to strip wallpaper. I was looking for a willing accomplice.”
“I don’t think I’d be much help, Scar. I told you I’m horrific at DIY.”
“It’s stripping wallpaper, you’ll do great. I will cook you tea after to say thanks.”
“I don’t even—”
“Leaving now to pick you up! Are you at Mason’s?”
“No.” I laugh. “I am staying at the girls’ apartment.”
“What? Why?”
“I will send you the address,” I say, hanging up and rolling my eyes, knowing she will want all the details.
* * *
Scarlet hasn’t stopped talking,from the minute I got in the car to the moment we pulled the final piece of paper from the wall.
It has been the perfect distraction, though.
I can tell she is lonely here. She only has her dad, and from what she has said, he sleeps a lot these days. It makes me sad. I’m excited for her to get back to medical school.
Anthony joined us out on the balcony for the spaghetti Bolognese that Scarlet made. He looks better today, with more colour in his cheeks and a slight spring in his step. I should feel guilty for spending time here after what Mason said, but Scarlet is my friend now, and I want to be here for her.
