My eyes widen in excitement.
Tournesol is a restaurant Wills opened with a chef friend in memory of Sadie when he thought he’d lost her years ago. It’s now one of London’s premier restaurants, so it’s a smart business deal on Seb’s part.
“The hotel won’t open for at least two years, but they’re going to do a test pop-up at one of the other locations here in the meantime.”
“That’s bloody brilliant, congratulations. I’m so happy for you both.” I turn to Nora. “Anything new with you?”
“Tons, but most importantly, I saw Jameson on a date the other day. He says it’s an old colleague, but they seemed awfully close.” She waggles her brows playfully.
“You love the gossip, don’t you? And will you give that guy a break? I’d be quitting if I were him.”
“He loves me.”
“Doubtful,” Sadie mutters.
Jameson is one of Nora’s bodyguards. She has a complicated past, and for safety reasons, she’s decided to keep two bodyguards with her, especially now that she’s a mum.
“Nora, youbliksemenough with my personal life,” Jameson calls from over the fence.
God, how do I always forget they walk the perimeter of the house and have trained ears? I must be so used to it by now that it barely phases me.
“You live in England now. No one knows what your South African slang words mean around here.” She covers her mouth to hide a giggle when Jameson walks away, cursing. “And you work for me. Stop calling me names,” she yells after him.
“Please fire me already,” he calls back, and we all smile at their interactions.
He doesn’t mean it. They really do love each other like brother and sister.
“All right, Aoife and Agnes will be up from their nap soon. I’m going to head home,” Nora announces.
My whole body tenses when I realize our day is nearly over, meaning it’s time to face Jack… or not, since I won’t see him again until tomorrow.
I had a lovely time catching up with my mates, but returning to reality seems like the worst thing ever. I would love to say that today snapped me back to life, but I know the second I walk back into the house, I’ll fall right back into my depressed state.
As if my body is already sensing the doom, my shoulders have slumped and my overall mood has quickly changed.
Sadie puts her arm around me and places her head on my shoulder. “It’s all going to be okay.”
“If you say so,” I murmur.
“Ready?” Nora asks.
I shake my head. “I think I’m going to walk.”
“If you’re sure?”
“I am.” I hug her goodbye and whisper, “Thanks for caring, Irish.”
“I’m always here for you.” She hugs me back, then Sadie and I walk her out.
“Before you go, I need to tell you something,” Sadie says, wringing her hands nervously.
I narrow my eyes. “What’s up? You’re already making me nervous.”
“Dad called,” she mutters uneasily.
Keeping my face passive is hard, but I try my best. I want to hear her honest thoughts, and if she thinks I feel one way or another, she might change her opinion.
“I’m going to meet him, I’ve decided. He’s coming this weekend.” She scrunches up her face when my eyes go wide.
