Page 44 of From London, With Love

Something must run in my mother’s bloodline because now both of us have given our all to a man who turned around and laughed in our faces. Is this what they mean when they say “daddy issues”? My father’s actions tore our family apart many years ago, and then I went and found a boyfriend who inevitably tore our relationship apart in the same fashion.

Their actions are a constant reminder that nothing is permanent, regardless of whether or not you want it to be.

“Between my ex and my father, I’ve encountered enough cheating arseholes to last me a lifetime. Trust me, Harps.” Grabbing her other hand in mine and giving both a gentle squeeze, I smile. “I won’t feel that pain again because I refuse to give anyone the power.”

Harper squeezes my hands in return.

“Atta girl.” Her face drops slightly. “I know Mia seemed pretty calm about this revelation, but?—”

“It’s fucking weird,” I cut Harper off, finishing the sentence I knew was coming. “I honestly don’t know how she managed to keep her cool so well.”

“If I know Mia, and I like to think I do after ten years, she’ll be processing for a little bit. She likes to act as though everything is fine and nothing phases her, but it’s a front. Please don’t take it too personally if she changes her tune in the coming days.”

Despite already knowing this myself, I can’t help the tiny niggling of disappointment. Not that I really have any reason to be disappointed—I’m planning to sleep with her brother—but it still sucks knowing things will be uncomfortable between us for a little bit.

Chapter 20

Lara

I’m fixing myself a cup of tea when my phone buzzes to life on the bench. Glancing over, I see my mother’s name and a picture of us from my birthday on the screen.

“Hi Mum!” I answer cheerfully, placing the call on speaker and walking into my bedroom.

“Hi honey.” I find myself smiling just hearing my mother’s soothing voice on the line. It’s odd how you can be around an accent your whole life, and yet it sounds so different when you hear it for the first time in a while. “How was your first week at the law firm?”

“It was pretty great. There’s a lot to learn and many people to remember, but everyone is so kind and welcoming, so that made it a little less overwhelming.”

“That’s great to hear, honey. I’m sure you’ll be thriving in no time.”

Even from half a world away, Mum always knows what to say. My heart squeezes a little, wishing I could give her a hug.

“Thanks, Mum.” Smiling to myself, I continue. “How’s everything at home?”

“Oh everything’s good, nothing too exciting to report. Your brother is being his typical painful self; he’s too busy with work to catch up for coffee lately,” she says, tutting her disapproval.

I asked one thing of my older brother before I left for England, and that was to make sure he made time for Mum. Spencer had given his standard “Yeah, yeah, I will” response, which didn’t instil a lot of confidence. Despite this, I hoped he’d at leasttry. I love my brother, but work is definitely his number one priority. It would certainly benefit him—and Mum—if he spent a little less time on the field and a little more time with his family.

“Speaking of boys, have any nice British ones caught your eye?” The change of topic isn’t exactly smooth, but she gets points for trying. I make a mental note to send my brother an admonishing text later.

“Mum, I’m 27. I’m hardly looking forboys.”

“Oh, alright.” There’s a longer-than-necessary exhale on the other end of the line that has me stifling a grin. “What about men?”

The word ‘men’ comes out as though Mum hated the taste of it. She often hates acknowledging I’m no longer a child, mostly because it’s a less-than-gentle reminder that she’s not in her 20s anymore.

I huff out a laugh. “Unfortunately not.”

It’s as though Mum can hear the lie in my voice. “Are you sure about that, Lara Jane?”

Rolling my eyes as though my mother can see me through the phone, I continue. “Okay, fine. There’s one attractive yet infuriating man who frequented the bookshop.”

My mother lets out a high-pitchedeepat my confession.?

“He also happens to be the executive I assist at the law firm.”

“Oh, how wonderful. Why don’t you ask him to get a coffee sometime, honey?”

Apparently, the boss part fell on deaf ears.

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