“Yeah. I guess this gave him the kick he needed to get his priorities straight.”
Before I could dig for details, Alfie and Eli returned.
“Lola, I don’t want to cut you off but she needs rest.” Eli seemed to at least be trying not to scowl at me. Maia might not blame me for this but I couldn’t say the same for him.
“I am resting,” Maia argued but Eli gave her a look. I knew that look. I’d been on the receiving end of it many times over the last week. Maia rolled her eyes but I could see she was happy to have someone looking after her. “Hey, Lola, don’t take this the wrong way but I quit.”
I burst out laughing, I couldn’t help it. I looked at Alfie, he seemed unsurprised.
“I’m not mad at you, I just can’t work for him and be your friend. I’d rather just be your friend.”
“I’d rather that too. What will you do now?”
“I don’t know.” She shrugged and winced. “I’m expecting a generous retirement package though.” She raised her eyebrows at Alfie and he grinned.
“You saved Lola’s life. If you let me, I’ll make sure you never have to work again.”
Eli huffed. “You’re damn right you will.”
“Enough,” Maia hushed him.
I tried to bend to hug her goodbye but my ribs protested. I settled for squeezing her hand. “I’m going to see you after the wedding, okay?”
“Maybe we could just hang out? Watch a film or something?”
“Yeah, I’d like that.” I smiled at her, not as my bodyguard, but as my friend who had saved my life.
I slipped my hand into Alfie’s, leaning into him as we wound our way through the hospital halls. I was feeling better but still, I was getting winded easily.
“Can I ask you something?” I said.
“Of course.”
“You know that money that your mum stole, you said you were going to have it transferred to my real account?”
“Yes. Well, we set up a new account for you with my bank, which reminds me I need to sit you down with a wealth management team when you’re feeling better."
“Wealth needs someone to manage it?” Alfie gave me a look and I giggled. “Anyway, I was thinking that I want to give it to Maia.” The lift doors opened and we stepped inside. I was relieved there was no one else in here so we had some privacy.
“All of it? I wasn’t joking about the retirement package Lola. I’ll make her very comfortable.”
“That’s not the point. She savedmylife. I want to give her something from me.”
“I expect that your friendship is all she wants but, very well, I can have it moved for you.” His arm wrapped around my waist as we stepped out of the lift and headed for the exit. “Can I ask you to rest this afternoon?”
“Nope. I have a swan sculpture to plan.”
Alfie sighed and shook his head but he didn’t argue. He knew there was no point. It was time to get back on the horse
Forty-One
The summer sun warmed my face, sending a sense of calm straight into my soul. Laughter and chatter surrounded me, a stark contrast from the quiet grief over the last few weeks. Keira sat on my left, chatting to Natalie about New York life. I joined in when I felt like it but mostly, I just listened, comforted by the sounds of their voices. The back patio of Harrington offered a gorgeous view of the grounds and in the distance I watched Alfie and Riley give Ryan a tour of the ‘castle.’
Alfie looked back at me every now and again to check on me. He had only left my side after adjusting my cushions a dozen times and tucking me under a blanket. I didn’t mind. I would rest if it made him happy.
“I can’t believe you won’t even show me a picture of your dress,” Keira was sulking. She’d seen photos of the rejected dresses but the final one, Natalie had wanted to keep a secret. Not even her mum had seen a photo.
“I want it to be a surprise. Speaking of, Riley says he won’t tell me where we’re going on our honeymoon. It needs to be a secret for some reason.”
