‘Career-wise,’ she clarified. ‘When I was in Brewtique, I just felt something drawing me to it, like I should take the chance on something new. I start there in a few days.’
‘Well, that sounds brilliant. If it makes you happy, I think it’s a great move. Well done.’ His eyes crinkled as he raised his glass to her. ‘I’ve got some news to share, too.’
Greta had been about to tell him about the upstairs flat that came with Brewtique, but she set down her glass and leaned in. ‘Yes?’
‘Martin’s getting married,’ Jim announced, blinking in disbelief. ‘His girlfriend is pregnant, and it’s been a big surprise for both of them.’
‘That’s lovely news. Will you pass on my congratulations?’
‘Of course. When Martin finishes filming in Chicago, they’ll return to the UK for the birth.’ Jim surveyed the room. ‘Martin’s already mentioned that a penthouse isn’t ideal for raising a child.’
‘I’m guessing the white carpets won’t stay this clean for long.’ Greta laughed.
‘Martin’s even considering quitting acting. He wants to do something more stable with less travel. We’ve been talking about setting up a vocal coaching business together. You know, helping people to speak with confidence.’
‘That sounds like a great idea.’
‘It’s a new direction, but I’ve been feeling jaded with the entertainment world for some time.’
Greta raised a brow. ‘You have? But you’re still in demand, and you seem to enjoy it.’
‘Maybe on the surface. But I don’t think I’ve been totally honest with myself. It’s easy to sweep things under the carpet. Then one day you’re surprised to find a great mound of dust hidden there.’ His eyes sought hers, as if asking for permission to be honest, even vulnerable.
She gave him an encouraging smile. ‘Working on the Maple Gold commercials made our everyday life feel very polished, didn’t it?’ she said. ‘I think our real life struggled to live up to it. For me, anyway.’
‘We had everything,’ Jim said ruefully. ‘Money, attention, fame. It felt like a huge loss when it all ended.’
Greta felt drawn toward him, and she edged closer along the sofa. ‘I didn’t know you felt that way. You were the one who made light of things, who brushed off his shoulders and carried on like nothing had changed.’
‘Maybe I’m just a brilliant actor.’ Jim buffed his nails on his chest.
Greta picked up a cushion and threw it at him. ‘Sure.’
‘Hey.’ He caught it, grinning as he hugged it to his chest. ‘Sherpoli Shoes think so. They loved the commercial I recorded for them.’
Their smiles gradually faded as the real focus of the evening settled in.
‘At Brewtique . . .’ Greta started cautiously. ‘There’s a flat upstairs. Josie agreed Lottie and I can live there, as part of the package . . .’
Jim frowned.‘Livethere? But I thought tonight was about decidingourfuture.’
‘It is. I just thought that you’d probably made up your mind to move on. That’s the impression you’ve given me.’
‘Really?’Jim’s gaze darkened. ‘Why?’
‘Because you don’t usually talk about stuff like this with me. You bring gifts, and we chat about our careers. But you never seem trulypresent . . .’
Jim picked up his wine glass, gripping it. ‘Of course, I’m present. I could say the same thing about you, too. Your mind is always wandering somewhere else. Thinking there’s somewhere better . . .someonebetter . . .’
A flutter started up in Greta’s ribcage, like a bird beating its wings in her chest.
She wanted to deny it, but knew he was right. Spending time in Mapleville with a different version of Jim had felt like an affair, even if she’d been with her own husband.
‘In the Maple Gold ads, we were loving, kind and patient with each other. We had fun, too,’ Greta said, holding his gaze. ‘Things should be the same here, too, Jim. We should try to be our best selves for each other, or things won’t work out. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about accepting each other’s imperfections.’ She sat back on the sofa, her own words hitting home and sinking in.
Jim exhaled. ‘We’ve got a lot of things to figure out.’ His voice grew softer. ‘But I want to try. Reallytry.With actual listening . . . and talking. Things I haven’t exactly been brilliant at over the last few months . . .’
‘Me, too. And I need to appreciate what I have more. To embrace what’s good andreal.’Greta sighed. ‘I think Ishouldmove into Brewtique. To give us more space and time to work things out.’
