“If I call again with thoughts, will you answer?”
There was weight behind her question.
“Yes,” I answered. Because I would. Even after everything, the tiny hint of the relationship we’d once had still glimmered in my heart. Now I felt safer with her, as much as was possible, I knew I wouldn’t reveal her either.
“Do you need anything?” I added.
Primrose declined and said she had other calls to make. A voice in the background calling her madam and offering her tea told me she was doing just fine.
It was only after we’d disconnected that I realised something else important. She’d used the right name for me. Darcy was no more.
Without fanfare, she’d given me a gift. I’d cherish it.
A short while on, having recovered myself from the shock, I trotted downstairs. Arran was alone in his office.
He set aside the tablet he’d been working on. “Come on in. Tyler won’t be long.”
Slightly awkwardly, I took a seat. Once upon a time, I’d flirted with Arran. I’d wanted to make myself feel safer, but I’d made a mess of it. Looking back, it was embarrassing as heck.
But I didn’t hide from mistakes. “That time I came in here…” I started.
Arran grimaced. “Stop. We are not discussing that. Tyler will murder me.”
“Can I apologise?”
“I dumped you on the floor. There’s no need to say anything.”
I laughed despite myself. “Fine. Then we’re even.”
The door opened and Tyler stepped in. As always, his gaze came straight to me. Slipped down me. Lingered. “Hey, doll.”
My heart melted. “Hi, right back.”
He leaned on the wall next to me and addressed Arran. “Thanks for your help.”
I took my cue. “That’s my line. I had no idea what to do about my mother.”
Only that she had to be punished in some way. She’d rejected me, lied to my grandparents, taken their money, and not cared whether I lived or died. Tyler had suggested we go see her so I could tell her off in person, but she wasn’t worth it. I didn’t wanther apology, or excuses. I didn’t want her pain and lies. I didn’t care about her enough to need that closure in person.
But a little revenge wouldn’t hurt.
Arran lifted his phone. “I’ll make the call.”
I pulled a face. “I don’t know if I’m ready.”
“No one ever is.”
I took a breath and nodded.
He dialled a number. A woman answered.
“Thea,” Arran said. He introduced us, then added, “Thea’s family owns the island of Torlum, and all properties there are rented from her.”
“I understand one of the tenants has caused problems,” Thea said. “So I went ahead and arranged for an eviction. As of four p.m. today, Mrs Dixon, who is illegally subletting from an elderly resident, will be served notice and told to leave. Does that work for everyone?”
I uttered a short laugh. “We’re kicking her out?”
Tyler smiled. “It’s a start.”
