‘It’s not as simple as that. I’ve built up a following here. You know that.’
She’d given up, changed tack. ‘I don’t suppose there’s any chance Adam might come with you?’
‘Who?’
‘Be as obtuse as you like, Taylor. He’s still your husband.’
‘No, Mother. Adam will not be coming with me.’
‘Are you sure you two can’t work things out?’ The hope in her voice did something to my heart. ‘This is where you fell in love,’ she’d added. ‘Maybe being back here, around familiar surroundings, will remind you both of that.’
‘It’s not me who needs reminding,’ I’d pointed out. ‘And considering the fact that I haven’t seen Adam in eight months, and the last I heard he was still very much with that skank?—’
‘Taylor.’
‘Sorry,slut, from the gym.’
She’d tutted.
‘Considering all that,’ I’d continued, ‘I’d say it’s very unlikely he will be accompanying me.’
‘You were just so good together. Everyone thought so.’
I’d felt the words land like a kick in the guts.Not everyone.
2
JACK
The table was sticky with spilled beer and lobster-shell detritus. After eight months, I still found it entertaining to watch people who’d never demolished a whole lobster before give it a try. It wasn’t so entertaining when you were the one who had to clean up after them. Bits of shell and flesh went everywhere, even the walls. I finished clearing and wiping down the table, restocking the cutlery and napkin holder, then picked up the tray loaded with dirty dishes. It was only as I headed towards the kitchen that I realized Hannah had come downstairs and was sitting on a barstool, watching me. She’d helped herself to a bottle of wine from behind the bar and had poured a glass, twirling the stem between her fingers. A sure sign that she was feeling either sad or bored.
‘Are you almost finished?’ she asked, as I drew near her.
‘Not for a while yet.’
She sighed. ‘I’m bored.’
Bingo.
‘Well, you know what I’m going to say to that.’
‘Set a table,’ she said, mimicking my voice. ‘Wipe down the bar. Take an order.’ She blew her hair out of her eyes. ‘Newsflash, it’s too hot to do any of those things.’
‘You don’t have to do all three,’ I pointed out, smiling. ‘Just pick one and start there.’
She gestured around the room to where various staff were carrying out their duties. ‘That’s what these guys are paid to do.’
‘That doesn’t mean you can’t help out.’
‘Youshouldn’t even be doing that,’ she replied, gesturing towards the tray I was holding. ‘You’re the manager. It’s not a good look.’
‘This isn’t like one of your fancy restaurants you’re used to back home,’ I reminded her. ‘And you know I’m not the kind of manager to stand around in a penguin suit acting like I’m better than anyone else.’
‘That’s a shame. You look cute in a penguin suit.’
‘Hannah.’
‘What?’ she said petulantly. ‘It’s a compliment. Am I not allowed to compliment you any more?’
