“Because Ray . . . is Ray,” she says simply. “But, somehow, he always showed up when I needed him most. We’ve been friends for so long, he’s basically family now.”
I nod, running the cloth gently over her legs.
“Do you have siblings?” I ask.
“My turn,” she counters, narrowing her eyes playfully. “Why did you move to London? And I want the real reason, not the chasing dreams version.”
My smile falters. I don’t answer straight away.
“After Mum died . . .” I start, choosing my words carefully, “everything felt off. Like nothing fit anymore. And I’d always wanted to come here, so it felt like the right time.”
It’s not the whole truth, but enough to get her off my back.
“I don’t have siblings,” she says after a moment. “It’s just me. Sebastian. Ray. And Dale.”
“So, if you’re all that close,” I ask, “why didn’t it ever work out between you and Ray?”
“You’re supposed to cover her as you go!”
The door slams back against the wall as Ray storms in.
Everything in me freezes. He grabs a sheet and yanks it over Anika, his movements sharp, controlled, but furious.
“You wash one area, then you cover it before moving on,” he snaps. “And you close the door properly. Anyone could walk in.”
My throat tightens. “I was just—”
He takes the cloth from my hand. “I’ll do it. Get out.”
“Ray—” Anika starts, but he’s already steering me towards the door.
I stumble back into the hallway as he shuts it firmly in my face.
“He’s having a hard time adjusting,” Catherine says quietly from behind me.
I swallow hard. “I was about to cover her.”
“I know,” she says gently. “But Ray . . . likes things done a certain way.”
I nod, pushing past her towards my room. My chest aches, and the tears are threatening to escape, and I don’t want her to see. But she follows anyway, closing the door softly behind her.
“Don’t take it personally,” she whispers.
“I don’t know what I did to him,” I choke out. “He hates me.”
“He doesn’t hate you,” she says. “He had someone very specific in mind for this role. Older. More experienced.” She gives a small, knowing smile. “Anika wanted the exact opposite.” I frown. “She misses her life,” Catherine continues. “And I think she chose you because you remind her of it. Something lighter. Someone she can connect to.”
“That’s not a bad thing,” I say quietly.
“It’s not,” Catherine agrees. “But Ray worries. He thinks you’ll leave. That you won’t cope.”
“I watched my mum die,” I say, my voice steadier now. “I can cope.” She studies me. “And I’m not leaving,” I add. “I can’t afford to. I had nothing left before this job. This . . . is everything.”
Catherine nods slowly. “Then tell him that.”
I let out a weak laugh. “Have you met him? He’s terrifying.”
She smiles. “He respects honesty and people who stand their ground.” I hesitate. “Maybe,” she adds, brightening slightly, “you could cook him dinner.” I stare at her. “He loves my homemade pie,” she continues. “I’ll give you the recipe.”
