Page 76 of Happier Days
‘What do you mean?’
‘I don’t think it’s here in London. I think you’ve left it behind with Jack in Sapphire Lake.’
Ava laughed. ‘That’s very poetic.’
‘It’s true, though.’
Ava nodded. ‘I fell in love while I was there.’
Georgia grinned, then frowned. ‘So why are you back here?’
‘I’m visiting at the weekend, and then Jack will be here the weekend after.’
‘That’s not what I mean. Why did you come back at all?’
‘Because of my job, and you’re here alone and there are bills to pay and?—’
‘I have enough to pay for everything on my own.’
‘What are you getting at?’
‘How much money do you have left over from when you and Dad split up?’ She held up a hand. ‘I don’t want to know the amount. I just want to know if you’ve got enough to tide you over for six months?’
Ava knew she had. She’d known for a long time but hadn’t dared to think so far ahead.
‘Yes,’ she told her. ‘I’ve got enough. Jack also said he could get me some commissions, especially when everyone finds out I’m doing his covers, and there’s more work for the hotel which I’ve been asked to do.’
Georgia’s eyed widened. ‘Mum, that’s fantastic! Once word gets out, I bet you’ll be inundated. Plus you have contacts from Bateman PR who would probably prefer to work directly with you.’
‘You’re trying to get rid of me again.’
‘No, you’re welcome to come and stay any time you like, as long as you bring Jack with you.’
‘Sounds good to me.’
‘So when are you handing in your notice?’
Ava laughed. ‘One step at a time. But I’ll definitely speak to Jack about it at the weekend.’
CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE
On Wednesday morning, despite speaking to him on the phone an hour earlier, Ava had an ache for Jack and a longing to be back by Sapphire Lake, throwing sticks for Graham to thunder after.
Again, she dragged herself into work, but this time there was something different about her. She hadn’t been able to stop thinking about the conversation on Monday evening that she’d had with Georgia. Her daughter had turned out to be a great listener and full of wisdom for someone so young. Ava knew it was mostly down to her and Giles, that they’d managed to rear such a confident young woman who knew her mind and would go out and follow her dreams come what may.
So why had Ava let Giles turn her into someone she wasn’t? A shadow of her former self. When she looked at Georgia, Ava saw herself as she was at that age. Where had that woman gone?
She stared at her reflection on the Tube window as they hurtled through tunnels underground.
There she was.
She’d always been there, but Ava had forgotten. Now, being with Jack, falling in love, and reconnecting with friends in a community she felt safe and loved in, was all she wanted.
She’d just have to bide her time for now, until she’d spoken to Jack. He might not want her to move in full time so soon, but at least she had the flat if it didn’t work out. She had nothing to lose.
Brendon was waiting for her when she got in. Before she’d even taken off her coat, he was asking to speak to her. She sighed loudly, flicking on her computer before going over to his office.
‘I’ve just had confirmation of your next project, the one we spoke about on Monday,’ he told her. ‘It’s a quick start, this Monday coming, and you’ll need to be there for two weeks straight. They want your help around a charity ball they’ll be running over the weekend. Apparently, their organiser has bailed at the last minute, and I know you can do that sort of thing with your eyes closed. It’ll be overtime for you, so more money at the end of the month.’
