Ollie’s not that interested. Once he knew I had a girlfriend, that was it. He just liked being proved right.
Savannah, however, hasn’t been so positive, which surprises me. Being the oldest, she’s not really here anymore. When I toldher I was seeing someone, she went silent. Quiet. Which isn’t like her. Normally, she has an opinion on everything. And I mean, it can’t be the timeframe. It’s been nearly six years since I lost Bex, and she’d been pushing me to move on.
But when I told her a bit of the background—what Antonia’s been through and who she is—she said nothing. Which means she was thinking. Which usually meant she didn’t agree.
I’m not sure what about her she wouldn’t have liked. She hasn’t told me yet, but I’m sure she will when the time’s right.
Rose, however, was highly amused. She wanted all the gory details. I told her it wasn’t appropriate. I’m her father, not her friend.
“Dad, I’m an adult,” she said. “I live halfway across the world. What harm is there in telling me?”
I still refused. She told me she’d just make it up herself.
Antonia’s fingers brush my cheek, snapping me out of my thoughts.
“I’d best get ready for our meeting,” she says, those white teeth bright in her smile.
“Sure, Miss,” I reply. “Whatever you say.”
Suddenly, there’s a hive of conversation outside the door, male voices, Clara cutting in every so often, telling them they’re stupid. Then comes the knock at the door. Antonia straightens the papers on her desk, gathers a file, and steps forward just as Julian walks in. “Are we ready?”
Antonia nods, all professional again, though I don’t think I’ll ever see her the same way.
“We are. We’ll follow you,” she says.
Julian stalks out of the room, and Clara peeks in behind him, a smug smile on her face. “Ladies first,” I say, holding my hand forward, gesturing toward the door. Antonia smiles, just a little, the professional mask slipping for a fraction of a second.
I let her walk ahead, following behind her like the good boy I am.