“Could be a few things, to be honest.” I go with that.
“Could it be more one thing than the other… you know?” He raises a brow and tries to talk in code away from Nora and I scoff.
“She knows.” I lick my lips and her ears prick up.
“Know what?” She steps closer, phone still in her hand.
“About Athena.”
“Oh.” She looks between me and my dad. “Yes, yes, I erm, I know about that.” Her cheeks turn pink.
“You have never let racing get to you before which makes me feel like this is to do with our conversation in the early hours of the morning.”
“Maybe.” I roll my lips, letting my eyes fall to my fingers where I am picking the skin around the bed of my nail.
I hear my dad sigh. “You know my thoughts on this,” he mumbles, lowering himself into the seat opposite me.
“I know.” I don’t look at him.
“Are you going to be okay for briefing?” he asks after a beat or two of silence.
“Yeah, course.” I swallow down the lump that is lodged.
“Okay.” He tilts his chin. “Are you feeling okay?”
I nod. “I am fine, promise.” I ignore the way my heart feels like it’s splintering as each second passes.
“Anaïs is going to Rue’s shop tonight for Athena’s signing, I am assuming you’re going too?” he asks.
“I am.” I smile, finally allowing myself to look at him.
“Good, I think it’s right that you go and support her.” He steps away from me and begins moving towards the door. “I’ll see you in an hour or so.” He waits for me to give him a nod before he disappears.
Once I know he has left, I inhale heavily, my eyes tracking to Nora.
“What are you going to do?”
“I have no idea,” I admit, letting my head slowly roll back as I pin my eyes to the ceiling again.
“You sure you’re okay to go briefing?”
“Yes.” My tone is curt and I instantly feel bad. Lifting my head to look at her, her eyes burn into mine. “I didn’t mean for it to come out like that.”
“I know.” She gives a soft smile. “Are you sure you want separate rooms?”
My nostrils flare. “I think I just need a few days. Plus, she has Edel, so at least she won’t be alone.”
“Okay.”
I know she wants to say more, but she doesn’t. She just rolls her lips tight and walks out of my apartment.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Athena
I wait nervouslyat arrivals for Edel. It has been months since I have seen her and the minutes seem to slip by so slowly. A crowd begins to walk through, and it doesn’t take me long to notice her. A small backpack and suitcase dragging along behind her, excitement bubbles inside of me as her gaze catches mine. She smiles. I smile. Her steps grow quicker, and I make my way towards her, my arms wrapping around her neck as I hold onto her with all I have.
“I’ve missed you,” I whisper into her hair.
