Chapter Seven
BEA
‘Morning, sleepyhead.’ I wave away Fin’s words as I enter the kitchen, heading for the coffee pot. ‘Or should that be hungover head?’
As I pour the dark liquid into the white cup, I contemplate an answer. ‘It’s not so bad. I’m just a little tired, I guess. Want some?’ I ask over my shoulder, though she lifts her cup in answer.Way ahead of you. ‘And where’s Randy today? Don’t tell me he works on Sunday, too.’
‘He’s gone home to check on the refurbishment.’ That’s right, Randy or Rory, rather, is having his place gutted and restyled, ready for Fin to move in. ‘Didn’t you want to go see? It’ll be your home, too.’
‘I told him I’d prefer it to be a surprise. He knows I think it’s completely unnecessary. I’m not interested in it for the trappings. I’d be happy to start a home with him anywhere, so long aswe havehot water and a roof.’
Fin’s seen the downside of the trappings of wealth and come out on the other side, though hardly unscathed. Her take on possessions is a lot like mine. It’s just stuff you can’t take with you when you go.
You know, go.
As I take a mouthful of my coffee, I reflect. I need to make more room for enjoyment in my life because you never know when your time’s up.
But still, it’s a shame. She has a good eye for decorating and even designed the interior of one of Rory and Kit’s boutique hotels. The restaurant, bar, and reception, I believe.
‘Any more news on Jon’s trip?’
Coffee turns to bitter tar in my mouth. I find myself shaking my head, and I find I can’t tell her right now.I don’t even want to think about it myself.‘We haven’t discussed when, exactly. And I forgot I have a medical thing in Edinburgh next week. It’s only one night away, but the preparation and stuff... you know.’
Clearly, she doesn’t buy any of this. I mean, though, she’s kind enough to sort of shrug and nod.Shrug-nod?
‘I thought he was due to visit in a week or two? You said he was flying to you this time.’
Okay, so she’s not an empath.Dog, meet bone. Bone, prepare to be chewed.
‘Yeah, I did say that.’
‘Great! I’ll stay with Rory. You know, to give you some space.’ Her words are heavy with meaning. Meanwhile, I just feel heavy. ‘But we’ll have to meet him, right?’
In a change of topic, I ask, ‘Did you get a corner office with this new gig?’
‘Hardly. Just a few more pennies in the bank at the end of the month in exchange for a whole lot of additional responsibilities.’
‘Ah, the joys of the corporate ladder and smashing that glass ceiling.’
‘Glass ceiling? I can’t even see it from my dark little corner.’ As Fin inhales sharply, I turn my head. ‘Rory’s offered to loan me some money to go it alone—to start my own company.’ She looks down at her cup, her expression unreadable. ‘Only I’m not all that sure it’s a good idea.’
The past is a vicious bitch. And also a great yardstick.
‘Yeah, I get that.’
‘It’s just so tempting.’ Her eyes are shining with unshed tears as she raises her head. ‘He’s great, and I love him so much. Probably even a smidge more after what he’s offering me. He just wants the best for me. But I can’t. I just can’t.’
‘No, maybe not right now.’ I slide myself into the kitchen chair next to hers. ‘I get it, you know. But it doesn’t mean you have to write the idea off completely. Rory’s not Marcus,’ I add quietly.
‘God, don’t I know it,’ she says through a watery laugh. ‘But enough with the seriousness. Did you have fun last night?’
I find it hard to suppress my smile, letting it escape at both corners of my mouth. ‘I did. Sorry I was late. Again.’
‘What did you think of Kit?’ she asks, brushing off my apology.
‘He’s a little... intense.’ And he has such large... hands.
‘He has a heart of gold. Absolute gold. Even though they’re the same age, it always seems Kit has... This is going to sound silly, but I feel like he’s fathered Rory. Held a lot of weight on his shoulders, you know?’
