“Grew up in New York with her mum but has a British dad she’s basically never spent time with. She’s got dual citizenship and moved over about a year ago. She’s working on a masters in some sort of psychology which probably explains why she’s such a good listener. She’s pansexual, lives in Bermondsey, and has a dangerous knack for getting you to spill all your secrets.”
“Sounds like a dream bestie,” Chloe laughs. “Don’t go replacing me with a younger, hotter model, ok?”
“Never. She’s coming to see some flats with me on Saturday! I’ve decided I’ve got to leave Fulham. It’s suffocating me.”
“I cannot say I won’t miss that gorgeous house of yours but you do whatever makes you happy my love. A fresh start is rarely a bad thing. Just don’t move too far, ok? I still need you within an hour from me!”
“Noted! I’ll move ‘access to Kingston upon Thames’ up on my list of essentials.”
“Are there any flats you really like the look of?” she asks.
“There’s one in Camberwell that looks cute – the roommates are a couple of artists at the art school nearby. And there’s one in Balham that I think could work! It’s not far from that sweet little independent cinema.”
“Ooh lovely. And what’s next onthe list?”She waggles her eyebrows at me and I grin.
“I’m not in any rush,” I reply, smirking at the camera. “But I’m going for a drink with Sloane after the flat viewings and I get the impression she’s the sort that attracts all kinds of mischief. Who knows what awaits!”
“Sounds like you’re in great hands! What time will you get there on Sunday?”
Nick and Priya have invited a few people around for dinner, and I’m delighted that Chloe and Josh will be joining. The reality of juggling kids means nights out for them both together are a bit of a rarity but they’ve got a babysitter sorted.
“About seven, I think? Priya’s doing that divine risotto again and I’m making tiramisu. I can't wait to see her and that gorgeous bump!”
“Wonderful. It’s going to be such a fun night! The babysitter we’ve got is one of the girls from the boys’ nursery. She brings a whole puppet show with her. They’ll never want me to do bedtime again!”
“Incredible. Can’t wait to see you, Chlo. Love you!”
“Love you right back.” She blows me a kiss and hangs up.
I put my phone down and lean back on the sofa, letting the quiet settle around me. This new life I’ve jumped into is still strange and unfamiliar, but for the first time in years, it feels like it's actuallymine. Bring it on.
CHAPTER 8
Luke
I’m late.I fucking hate being late.
I’m stuck in a meeting with Jessie and our finance director, Martin, who is droning on about quarterly cash flow and projections. Normally I’m quite energised by the nuts and bolts of the business I poured my soul and savings into, but I’m meant to be at Nick and Priya’s in 15 minutes and the journey to Greenwich is at least 45 minutes from Salt.
“Luke? Did you hear me?”
I blink. “Hmm?”
Jessie narrows her eyes. “You okay, boss?”
“Just tired. It’s been a long week.”
It’s not a lie – Salt doesn’t exactly keep normal business hours and I’ve been at the club most nights this week. But it’s not why I’m so distracted. That honour belongs to Emmy Warner, who’s taken up residence in my brain. My thoughts keep coming back to her, whether I want them to or not.
I’m not sure why she’s suddenly got under my skin. It’s not like I haven’t noticed her before – you’d have to be blind or dead – but she was always someone else’s: Nick’s little sister. Colin’s wife. Off-limits in every conceivable way. And she still is, I remind myself, clenching my jaw.
I realise both Jess and Martin have stopped talking and I clear my throat.
“Thank you so much, Martin. I’ll look over the numbers and get back to you next week,” I say, standing up and grabbing my coat from the rack.
Jessie raises a brow. “Hot date?”
“Dinner at Nick’s.” I almost grimace.
