Nodding, I say, “Right. Yes. I have no doubt that he loves me.”
“Good. But, about that advice I gave you the other day—about not waiting too long to have ‘the talk’ about your future…”
“Yes?”
“If you haven’t done it yet, I think you’re right to wait. This shit is enough for you two to muddle through for now.” She tucks her leg under her bottom and turns to face me on the couch. “Unless you’ve already had the talk, in which case, ignore me completely.”
Shaking my head, I say, “We’ve only managed a couple of very short phone calls and some texts, and that’s a topic that requires us to be in the same room. Or the same country, at least.”
Tessa pats me on my knee in a way I imagine a mum would. “It’ll be all right. Just be patient and have faith in what you two have. And seriously stop watching that shite.”
“Okay, I will.”
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
“I’m going to hold you to that, Arabella.”
And I’m going to fail miserably.
14
Loads of Strings Attached…
Will
San Candido, Italy - Early Tuesday Morning
Text from Dwight:I managed to re-book your Breakfast Television Slot for Friday. They aren’t pleased, but who cares? You’re making quite the splash with these live-streams, so if Kenneth wants to keep doing them, I say stick with the climbing for now. Just sent back the contract to his team with the amendments. Please don’t do something so spur of the moment again. Terrible move to go before the papers are signed. It all looks good though, and you should have enough for that ring you want (and then some). (On a side-note, if you don’t nip the stories about you and that model in the bud, you may not have use for an engagement ring.)
Text from Rosy:What the hell are you doing in Italy? There are some amazing places to climb here! You could come home to make your commercials and give the resort some free publicity at the same time. Also, who’s the ho you’re with? I don’t like it.
Text from Arabella:Got your messages. Sorry I missed you. I was on that conference call all afternoon with the Equal Everywhere Campaign committee. We have much to do before the big conference next week. Sorry to hear about the rain delay and the problem with the camera angle. Can’t believe you have to reshoot the entire thing. You must be exhausted, what with climbing all day and partying all night. ;) BTW, apparently the entire world thinks we broke up or were never a real couple to begin with. Urgh. Fingers crossed that you and I can curl up and watch episode two together Thursday night. The rest of my family seems to have begged off, so I’ll be alone at Arthur and Tessa’s babysitting the twins while the show airs. A and T have a state dinner they forgot about. Father decided not to watch any more episodes on account of all the implied sex, and Gran has a hot date. If you do come, I’ll whip us up a batch of my award-winning brownies. I’m off to bed. Championing women’s rights around the globe is tiring work. Good night, darling!
Text from Emma:Dude, are you and Arabella okay? I keep seeing stuff online that you broke up. Is that true? Are you really in Thailand with some hottie climbing woman?
Text from Kenneth:Will, get down to the restaurant already. Lara just came up with an amazing plan for the commercial. We need a quick meeting to discuss the change of plans.
“Shit.” I roll out of bed and stand, unable to fully appreciate the mountain view from my hotel suite on account of my pounding head and my quivering gut. Between my hangover and the fact that I need to get back to Valcourt stat to fix my relationship, I’m a bit of a mess.
My phone rings. Harrison’s name flashes across the screen.
I sigh, then answer it. “Hey, buddy, what’s up?”
“Just wanted to give you a heads-up not to answer if Emma or Rosy call. They’re totally freaking out that you’re cheating on Arabella.”
I sigh and scratch the stubble on my chin. “That’s a little insulting.”
“Agreed. I told them you’d never do that.” He pauses, clearly waiting for me to elaborate.
“The mystery woman is the new girlfriend of Kenneth Abernathy. She’s a model.”
“Obviously.”
“He’s putting her in the commercials to keep her happy. She can’t even climb.”
“Ah, that all makes sense now,” he says, then quickly adds. “Of course I knew there was some simple explanation, but you know how Rosy and Emma can get.”
