Page 198 of The Heart You Kept

“I can’t, I’ve got to work. Can you come here?”

“I wish, I have to work too.” She falls silent for a moment and we hang on the phone. “Put me on FaceTime, I’m going to wash the dishes while I talk to you.”

“Okay, I’m going to make another cup of tea.” I make my way downstairs, and flick FaceTime on. “It is raining cats and dogs here.”

“Really?” The camera comes on and I see her and laugh. “Why is your face mask bright orange?”

“I don’t know, I bought this shit on TikTok. It’s the latest trend.” She turns her head to look at her reflection in the camera. “Do you think it will stain my skin?”

“I would get that shit off immediately if I were you.”

She carries the phone into the bathroom and sets it down, I watch on as she washes her face and I smile at the normalcy of us.

I’m going to be okay.

EDWARD

“I just don’t get it,” Nicholas says as he reads out loud from his phone. “It says here….” The voices trail off.

I walk to the staircase and then back to the door, I look out over the sea and glance at my watch, it’s 6 p.m.

She’d be finishing work soon.

“You know how it works….” Theodore’s voice blurs into the distance.

I walk to the bottom of the staircase and back to the door.

Why hasn’t Philippe called me yet?

I walk to the staircase and then back to the door, I glance at my watch again.

Time passes and it’s now 7:30 p.m… hmm.

Maybe I should call him?

I walk to the staircase and then back to the door.

“Will you sit down?” Theodore snaps. “What the fuck is wrong with you?”

I continue to pace, I glance at my watch again.

Is she working late tonight?

“Prescott,” Theo snaps.

I glance up. “What?”

“What the hell is wrong with you? You’re like a cat on a hot tin roof.”

“Nothing. Why?”

“You’re wearing the carpet down with all the pacing.”

“I’m not pacing.” I screw up my face in annoyance. “Can you all fuck off back to your yachts and leave me alone.”

“What is wrong with you lately?” William frowns.

“Nothing,” I snap. “I’ve just got a lot on my mind.”