“Big,” I said, glancing out at the city from my window. “It’s also loud and full of extremely confident buildings. I forgot how different things were here.”
She laughed. “It’s been years since I’ve visited, but that sounds about right. How is work going? Have you managed to see Eric yet?”
“Not yet, but things have been good. The firm is pretty incredible, actually. Miranda is exactly what you’d want in a boss if you were designing one from scratch. My office is enormous. Honestly, it’s almost as big as my flat was back home, and so far, the work itself has been interesting.”
“I’m so glad,” she said, and I could hear the genuine relief threaded through her voice. “I was hoping it would be a good fit.”
“It really is.” I leaned against the counter, briefly debating whether to bring up the Westwoods. Jesse, in particular, and the fact that no matter where I went, their name insisted on following me like an unpaid bill. “How are things there? How’s Jessica?”
“Oh, same old,” she said. “We’re missing you, but outside of that, we haven’t got much news. Oliver scored a goal at his game over the weekend. He’s terribly proud. I’m sure he’ll tell you all about it himself when you speak to him, so just don’t mention anything about me already telling you.”
I chuckled. “I won’t. Your secret is safe with me.”
She paused for a moment, which was unlike her, but as soon as she spoke again, there was something a bit more careful in her tone. Almost like she’d nearly brought up a heavier subject herself and then decided against it.
Like mother, like daughter, I suppose.
“So, have you had a chance to go out and explore a bit?”
“Not really. Obviously, I’ve left my apartment, which is marvelous, by the way. I’ve been to work and I’ve walked around some, but that’s about it. Oh, I also discovered this little cafe that sells offensively large iced coffees. I think I might be addicted.”
“That doesn’t count as exploring, darling.”
“Yes, it does. Well, it’s all I’ve had time for so far, anyway. I’ve had a lot of work getting up to speed with the new job.”
“Yes, but it’s the weekend now. You should go out. Enjoy yourself a little and get to know the place. As far as I remember, it was a wonderful city. Lots to do and see.”
I rolled my eyes. “Iamenjoying myself.”
She sighed. “I know that whole business with Thomas was just dreadful, darling, but you’re young and beautiful. You’ve worked incredibly hard to get where you are. You should beliving a little, especially now that you’ve got a fresh start to enjoy.”
I pressed my lips together and stared out at the skyline again. “Iamliving. I’ve moved to a different country, after all. It’s not like I’m just sitting around my place moping.”
“Yes,” she said softly. “But are youhappy?”
I didn’t answer that question, choosing instead to focus on the part that mattered. “Thomas stole my dog, Mother. If Hubert was here, I’d be forced to get out, go on runs and walks, but as things are, I’m simply easing into life alone.”
“That was particularly unforgivable. I do agree. I just don’t want you hiding away. Don’t sit in your house simply because you don’t have a dog to walk.”
I sighed quietly. “I’m not hiding.”
“Aren’t you?”
“No, I just told you. I’m settling in.”
“Well, settle in somewhere that isn’t your sofa.”
I smiled. “I’ll think about it.”
“You’ll go out this evening,” she corrected lightly. “It doesn’t have to be for long. Just get out of the house and perhaps have a drink somewhere.”
“Fine,” I relented. “I’ll go out.”
“Excellent. I knew you’d listen to reason.”
We spoke for a few minutes longer about nothing in particular. Then I hung up, the quiet of the apartment suddenly suffocating. When I’d told my mother I would go out, I’d been thinking that perhaps I’d only go for a walk around the block, but I lasted all of ten minutes before caving.
Technically, Ihadbeen invited to dinner, albeit not directly or formally, but an invitation was an invitation. Even if I didn’t have an address.