Page 63

My head is whirling. Up until now, I’ve been telling myself firmly that I’m definitely going back to Wellington. I’ve built a life down there—I have a secure job, which isn’t to be sniffed at. An apartment, friends, and colleagues. I play for the local rugby team. I like the city, with its Ubers and restaurants and theatres.

But I’ve made that decision mainly because I didn’t think coming back to Evermore was an option. Rudolph told me to leave Vix alone. Jayden demanded I leave. I didn’t feel that anyone wanted me. And although I love the bookshop, running it was never an option for me. I love teaching, and I don’t want to give it up.

But now Rudolph’s offering me a job? Jesus.

“I’m not asking you to make a decision tonight,” he says gently. I’m telling you there’s an option you didn’t have when you arrived.”

“I’m not sure I should give up a permanent position for maternity cover,” I say. “Jobs are hard to come by nowadays.”

“I understand. And I can’t promise anything. But we’re always looking for relief teachers, and people are always moving on. Rita Collier is sixty-eight at the end of the year. She’s still doing great, and there was a point when I thought she’d never leave, but for the first time this year she’s been mumbling about doing some travelling. Anyway, I just wanted you to know that there are options.”

I’m going to have to think about it long and hard. Vix and I have only kissed; we haven’t even slept together. It’s a huge decision to make based on a crush that has never been requited. I think she likes me, but we might date for a while, and she might decide she’s not interested in something permanent. Then what would I do?

Despite my fears, the possibilities glimmer ahead of me like glowworms in a cave. For the first time, I have hope. And that’s not nothing.

Chapter Seventeen

Vix

“Will Mitch read me a story?” Millie asks as we go down the stairs.

“I’m sure he will, if you ask nicely.” I take her into the living room. Mitch is standing there, looking out at the garden, but he turns as we walk in.

“Will you read me a story, please?” Millie asks him.

“Of course.” He smiles. “Anything for a girl with unicorns on her PJs.”

She giggles. “Come on then.” She takes his hand and drags him out of the room.

I go into the kitchen to get Millie a biscuit and a glass of milk. I’m just putting the carton back in the fridge when I look up and see my father standing there.

“I’ve just been talking to Mitch,” he says. He leans back on the counter, holding the edges with his hands.

“Oh?” My heart skips a beat. Is this about the kiss? Surely not!

“I think you should do it,” he says softly.

“Kiss him?” I say without thinking.

He looks startled. “What? No! I mean, if you want to, but that’s not what…” He blinks a few times. “The shop,” he continues, half-amused, half-exasperated. “I think you should buy the shop.”

My jaw drops. “Oh… really?” I’m completely shocked. I would never have thought he’d back me in taking a risk like that.

His expression softens. “Mitch is right—you can run it standing on your head. You just need to dot the i’s and cross the t’s.”

“There’s a lot more to it than that,” I say wryly, heart hammering. “Money, for starters.”

“That’s true. How much savings do you have?”

“Not much at all,” I admit. Jayden and I were saving for our own place, but the money we’d put aside rapidly dwindled once he lost his job.

Dad nods. “That’s okay. I can give you twenty-five thousand as a deposit.”

I stare at him. “What? Dad, no! I can’t take money from you. That’s for your retirement.”

“I want you to have it. If you won’t take it, then we’ll call it a family loan, with zero interest. You can pay me back when the business is successful. Hopefully, it will be enough to secure a bank loan for an established business.”

“Dad…” My throat tightens. “I don’t know what to say.”