Page 66

She considers this. Considers what Kristen had said, how Mark’s teasing had gotten to Finn more than he let on. How Finn had told her at the Christmas market that he’d been worried about being like his dad, that he’d worried he was taking away her spark, bit by bit. Like Andrew had done to Susan.

Mel acts on instinct and leans over to kiss Finn’s cheek. She feels the way his body stills, and only eases back as he turns his head to look at her.

“I’ll say it again,” she says firmly. “You’re not like your dad, Finn. Not in the ways that matter.”

Finn does a sort of nod-shrug, then his expression turns thoughtful as he pulls back to consider her. “Why just?”

“Huh?”

“You said but it’s just my dad.”

She feels a flush creep up her neck and is grateful for the scarf she’s wearing. “Oh. Right. It’s just, I thought…” But it would sound stupid if she said it out loud—and is it really any of her business, if he is seeing someone?

“You thought it was a girl?” Finn asks, eyebrows raised. Because, of course, he does know her. “You really thought I’d shack up with someone else that quickly?” His tone is biting—almost angry.

“It’s been six months, Finn,” she says pointedly.

That gives him pause, like he hadn’t quite realized that fact. Then something else seems to occur to him, and the corners of his mouth turn down. “Are you seeing someone?”

She could lie here. She could say she is—to save face. To try to make him think she has moved on, that she hasn’t been miserable without him.

We should at least be honest with each other.

“No,” she says.

“Okay.” It comes out on a whoosh of breath. “Okay, good.”

The space between them goes quiet as they both sip their drinks and Mel gets out her phone. Her heart lurches as she unlocks it, sees a notification—one new email. Her thumb spasms a little as she opens it up.

Dear Melanie,

Thanks so much for your time yesterday and for explaining more about your brand. Lillian very much enjoyed meeting you and has much admiration for your brand and what you have created. She remains keen to work with you going forward—however, we do have one key stipulation. Lillian would only like to wear jewelry that has been designed and made by you, specifically. Our understanding, from the call, was that you were planning on delegating this and whilst we appreciate that you would be overseeing it, we’re afraid that we’re not willing to take anything other than the best. The piece that Lillian most liked out of the catalogue you sent through was the fireworks earrings—I believe this was your design?

We would be willing to look at a contract that allows at least three public appearances per year, with different designs needed for each. Social media posts to be discussed.

Perhaps this is something we can pick up on in the new year?

“Mel?” Finn’s voice sounds far away and she blinks a few times as she looks up. Lillian wants her. She wants to work with her. This is really happening. “Mel, are you okay?”

“I’m…” But she can’t finish. Is she okay? She’s not really sure. On the one hand, yes, she is. She is more than okay. This is what she’s been working toward for months. This is the validation she’s been craving—and, more than that, Lillian wants her. Specifically. But on the other hand…She wants her. Specifically. Which means…She doesn’t know what that means. She doesn’t have time to run a business and to make jewelry—that’s the whole reason she has designers. If she says yes to Lillian, how will the business function? She already works long hours—she doesn’t think she has it in her to work longer, harder. And in that moment she suddenly feels impossibly tired.

“What is it?” Finn presses, and now he sounds a little panicked. “Mel, what’s happened? Is it Priya? Your parents?”

“What?” Mel frowns at him. “No, nothing’s happened. Everything’s okay. I just…” She takes a breath, tasting cold air—and knows, as she speaks, that she’s going to have a choice to make. Like he had a choice, six months ago. At what point did he decide? Just how long had things been brewing for him?

But no. She can’t think about that right now. She has to stay focused. So she squares her shoulders, looks Finn in the eye. “It’s Lillian. She wants me.”

Chapter Twenty-three

One year ago

Six months until Hattie’s engagement party

Mel’s flat was freezing when they got home from the Cotswolds, where they’d spent New Year’s Eve in a massive house with Hattie and Priya. Hattie had just met an actor who she was claiming, after only one date, was “the one.” Mark, on the phone, had told Finn it would never last—but Finn wasn’t so sure. Hattie didn’t do things by halves.

Finn shut the front door behind them, and Mel groaned at the sight of all the boxes. She’d gotten the keys just before Christmas, and although they’d moved all their stuff in they’d pretty much headed straight to Mel’s parents for Christmas Day, to his mum for Boxing Day, then on to New Year’s plans—and as such they hadn’t gotten around to unpacking yet.

“I’ll make us something to eat,” Finn said, heading to switch the heating on.