I was relieved – yet again – but also confused – yet again.
‘But I thought it was for Aetheria. You said the island was your exit strategy. Don’t you need that money?’
‘Nooo,’ he replied with a smile. ‘I own the island outright. Trust me, I could live to a hundred and never have to work another day. And if I everamin trouble, I can sellAlly’s Odyssey– that’s twenty million quid, give or take.’
‘Then I don’t understand,’ I said quietly. ‘What exactly are you exiting?’
‘Just…allof it – all the superficial bullshit. The jet-setting and wasting time with people who don’t matter to me. I want a quieter pace of life. It’s all been so frantic for so long. And, yes, it’s a situation of my own making, but I’m turning fifty soon and I’ve realised there’s more to life than being a middle-aged playboy.’
I’d never heard Julian refer to himself this way – particularly the undercurrent of disdain – but sensing he was still mid-thought, I remained silent.
‘Actually,’ he continued, giving me a meaningful look, ‘spending time with you… It’s highlighted what I’m missing most. Being in love.’
‘Jules…’
It was part plea, part apology. Because no matter how much I cared about Julian, I wasn’t going to magically fall in love with him just because he’d had an epiphany. And notice I saidfallin loverather thanfall back in love. That had only happened once and it wasn’t with my third husband.
His eyes softened with affection, then he reached for my hand. I placed it in his, hoping to let him down gently – especially after the night he’d had.
But I needn’t have worried.
‘Don’t worry, darling, I didn’t mean you. I had my chance, and I blew it. It’s my biggest regret, not knowing what I had when you and I were married. But as you said, you and I work best as friends.’
‘Closefriends,’ I said, overcome with a rush of affection.
‘Definitely,’ he replied, and we shared a smile. ‘But it’s the other thing you said, Ally, and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. Idowant to find my someone – and I want to bring her here and make a life together. Well, not the whole year ’round, as I suspect even paradise gets a bit boring after a while,’ he joked with a wink.
I sniggered.Iwas tiring of it and I’d only been there five days. Although, my stay had included the wrong post going viral, uncovering a ring of spies, and juggling two ex-husbands.
But I would definitely bring Claude someday. She’d love it –andshe deserved it.
‘Anyway… that’s my focus now,’ he continued, ‘finding the love of my life and making Aetheriathedestination in the Aegean.’
‘Which brings us full circle, I suppose.’
‘Indeed. Can you believe it was less than a week ago that I asked you to come?’
‘Nope. Feels like forever.’
‘So true.’ With a heavy sigh, he released my hand and flopped back onto the sofa, his eyes fixed on the ceiling. They started to drift shut.
‘Oi,’ I said, nudging him. ‘You can’t fall asleep here, Jules.’
‘Mmm?’ he murmured sleepily.
‘I mean it.’ I poked him and he pretended to snore. ‘Hey,’ I said through laughter. ‘One viral photo of our supposed reunion was enough to contend with, thank you very much. Now, off you go…’
I stood up and tugged on his hand and he cracked one eye open.
‘All right, all right,’ he said, planting his palms on his thighs and standing. He walked to the door, and I followed.
‘Goodnight, Jules. Will I see you in the morning?’
‘Probably not. I’ll be leaving before dawn.’
‘Oh.’
‘But we’ll speak soon, I promise.’
