“So, thank you,” Torsten said. He opened his arms and stepped forward to hug me, and as his bulge dug into my stomach, I passed out.
Chapter73
Sunny
We filed the story just after eight o’clock.
“Your first-everSentinelfront page. Wonderful,” Ludo said, pulling me into a hug. I kissed him.
“How come you don’t faint whenIhug you?” I said.
Then we sat around the retreat’s kitchen table with Leaf, Karma, Summer, and Torsten. Leaf had cooked a scrumptious vegan dinner. I was exhausted. I think we all were. But everyone was also smiling and happy, like we’d all had a weight lifted from our shoulders. Before we could tuck in, Karma stood, raised a glass of organic red wine, and tapped it with the back of her knife. The table hushed. She faltered, voice croaky. She tapped her chest.
“Sorry, I’m a bit emotional.” Karma’s eyes welled with tears. Leaf reached across and held her hand. “I just wanted to thank you all for the beautiful energy you’ve brought into our lives. Leaf and I have had so much fun, and feel so blessed for everything that has happened these past couple of months. I’m so grateful to the universe for bringing us all together. I just wanted to thank you for coming into our lives and sharing this part of our journey.”
Karma was crying, Leaf was crying, Summer was sobbing. Torsten was a blubbering wreck. No one said healing was pretty.
“And to think, as a result of all the fun we’ve had, we might yet get rid of both that stupid nuclear power plant and a barrowload of corrupt politicians.”
Leaf raised his wine glass above his head.
“To changing the world for the better,” he said.
“To having clever friends who help you change the world for the better,” I said, nodding at Karma and Ludo.
“To fearless journalism and the relentless pursuit of truth,” Ludo said, winking at me.
“To the great guiding energy of the universe for bringing us all together,” Summer said. She kissed Torsten on the forehead—the only bit of his face not wet with tears.
“To soulmates,” Karma said. And, finally, we drank.
* * *
Later that night, in the chalet, it was finally just Ludo and me. Freshly showered, exhausted from a crazy day, we climbed into bed, Ludo wearing nothing but a pair of my pants.
“I can’t believe you planned this big romantic gesture and you didn’t think to pack.”
“Surely that makes it even more romantic?”
“I never realised I was so attracted to other boys wearing my pants. Maybe that’s my kink now? The jury is out.” I shuffled a little closer and rested a hand on Ludo’s hip, sending a (metaphorical) charge of electricity through my body. Ludo smiled. We hadn’t really had a chance to talk properly yet, and there were things that needed to be said.
“I’m so sorry about Uncle Ben. I know how much he meant to you. I should have been there for you. That was unforgivable. I’ll always regret that.”
Tears welled in Ludo’s eyes. “Thank you for saying that. But it’s fine. Really.”
“It’s not.”
“It wasn’t at the time. But it’s fine now. I know you were angry, and I understand why.” Ludo sat up on one elbow. “What I don’t understand iswhyyou would think I would do that to you? Publish early and ruin everything.”
I squirmed, embarrassed.
“Because we’rejournalists. Because journalists can’t be trusted. You were still the competition. I thought you been using me to get the exclusive.”
“Why would I do that?”
I shrugged. “Kudos? Reputation? To get ahead?”
“Is this the same guy who told me at Maxime’s I got my job because of who my father is?” I looked into Ludo’s sapphire eyes, holding his gaze.
