Page 18 of Moonstruck Kiss

“We don’t think like that here in Moonstruck Cove.”

I snicker but don’t respond. No sense arguing with her about this town.

“And you know what?” She gives me a cajoling smile. “You and Ollie are already considered honorary Mooners. It’d be nice if you’d consider this town your home, too. You can talk to that new boss of yours about working online since you’ve already proven it’s possible.”

I chuckle dryly. I’ve been waiting for her to say something like that since we arrived. “Sorry, Mum, I can’t.”

She crosses her arms. “And why not?”

“It doesn’t work like that. I need to be in New York.”

“Maybe you can find a job here?—“

“As an investment banker?” I ask incredulously. “Even if I move back to either Sydney or Melbourne, I won’t find the same opportunities and remuneration. New York is the financial capital of theworld.”

“You don’t need to earn as much money if you live here.”

I stop myself from sighing out loud. “Mum, I promise that Ollie and I will visit often. And you and Dad—the whole family—are always welcome to visit us over there. So please stop thinking you can make me move here with Ollie. I worked very hard to get to where I am, and I’m not giving up my career. It’s important to me.”

“More than family?”

My heart pinches. “That’s not fair. You know how much I love all of you so please don’t make me feel guilty. And you know that Ollie can have much better opportunities for his future in New York than here in Moonstruck Cove.”

“That’s not necessarily true. And look at him. He’s so happy here.”

“I know. But I’ll make sure I give him the best life I can in Manhattan. I promise you that. And I’m getting better and better at being a dad, am I not?”

Mum smiles. “Yes, you are. We can see how much you love him.”

“I do.”

“But who’s gonna help you in Manhattan? You’ve sacked Norah?—”

“Thank God I did,” I mutter.

“I know. How dare she con you like that and hide Ollie’s talent from you. I’m so angry at her. Grrr!” Mum fisted her fingers in both hands.

“Me, too. But I’ve already secured a place for Ollie at this highly-rated daycare in Manhattan. A few of my colleagues rave about it. He’ll make friends there, learn, and have fun every day when I’m at work.”

“What about art school? Ollie adores Joey, and it’s amazing how she seems to instinctively know how to handle a child with such incredible talent.”

I have to admit she’s right, but Joey lives here and we don’t. “I’m going to speak with three art schools that are on my recommended list. Apparently, they’ve all worked with very talented children. I do hope I find at least one of them who’s like Joey.”

Mum throws an elbow at me even though I’m out of reach. “Warming up to her, are you?”

“Stop with your match-making, Mother,” I warn.

“Whatever do you mean?” she asks.

I roll my eyes at her attempt at innocence. “You’re so obvious.”

She harrumphs. “I’m just helping you find a nice woman for yourself—and a wonderful mother for Ollie.”

“And you think Joey’s a candidate? Theonlything going for her is that she loves Ollie to bits. Besides, I’m not after a girlfriend from here?—“

“Dad!” Ollie climbs out of the pool. “Can we go see Joey now?”

“Didn’t I just say she’s busy?”

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